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The Supportive Housing Network of New York, a coalition of 116 members who develop and operate 18,000 units of supportive housing across the state, has joined with ASPHA/Tier II Coalition, the Center for Urban Community Services, the Coalition for the Homeless, the Coalition of Voluntary Mental Health Agencies, the Committee for the Heights Innwood, Community Access, and the Corporation for Supportive Housing to call for a new New York/New York III Agreement. The first New York/New York Agreement of 1990 helped reduce the single adult homeless shelter population by 37 percent in the early 1990's, and led to dramatic reductions in street homelessness. The Agreement provided housing with on-site support services for over 10,000 homeless men and women. Nonetheless, in 1998, the NYC Department of Mental Health reported that 10,000 units of housing were needed for individuals with mental disabilities, regardless of the success of the New York/New York Agreement. Consequently, Governor Pataki and then Mayor Giuliani signed the New York/New York II Agreement, but it only produced 1,500 units of housing. The two agreements have created just over 5,300 units of housing for persons living with mental illnesses. However, a substantial need remains.

On May 1, 2002, this coalition of homeless and housing agencies kicked off the campaign for a New York/New York III Agreement, on the steps of city hall. The New/New York III calls on Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg to agree to provide 9,000 new units of supportive housing over the next five years-7,500 units for homeless individuals living with mental illnesses and 1,500 units for homeless families with special needs. The campaign hopes to fill the unmet commitment of the New York/New York II Agreement.

The current number of homeless single adults is at its highest level since 1990 and New York City is experiencing record numbers of homeless children and families sleeping in our municipal shelters. There are about 33,000 homeless children and adults in the municipal shelter system every night! New York has seen a significant rise in street homelessness over the last two years, especially among those with mental illnesses. The current supportive housing units are occupied, as the vacancy rate has fallen to a paltry 1.9%. In order to address the need of housing units, the campaign calls on Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg to sign a New York/New York III Agreement in support of capital development of supportive housing units. As part of the campaign, the coalition will hold call-in days to the Governor and the Mayor, run a postcard campaign.

The homeless rate in New York City is increasing rapidly, at a time when the Mayor is confronted with a budgetary crisis. Governor Pataki must assist the city in its efforts to address the housing needs of its community. The Governor and the Mayor must come together and sign the proposed New York/New York III Agreement.

There will be a march and rally on September 25. Endorse the campaign, get postcards and send them in. We need your help! Call the Network at (212) 870-3303 ext. 7 for more information.