Res. No. 165-A

Resolution calling on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.2583/S.15, authorizing certain shelters for victims of domestic violence to be reimbursed for any payment differential for housing a single individual in a room intended for double occupancy

By Council Members Louis, Yeger, Hudson, Ung, Nurse, Abreu, Sanchez, Rivera, Hanif, Gennaro and the Public Advocate (Mr. Williams)

Whereas, Domestic violence, sometimes known as intimate partner violence or relationship abuse, is usually defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in a relationship used by one partner to maintain or gain power and control over another partner; and

Whereas, Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness in New York City, in addition to evictions and overcrowding; and

Whereas, Domestic violence survivors often cannot stay with family members for fear of running into their abusers, and many lack the income to find permanent housing quickly; and

Whereas, The provision of safe emergency shelter is a primary tool for those fleeing domestic violence; and

Whereas, The domestic violence emergency shelter system was originally created to provide short-term respite for victims of domestic violence and their families who were fleeing imminent danger; and

Whereas, Within New York City, domestic violence shelters were created over several decades to house families rather than single adults; and

Whereas, New York City Human Resources Administration’s domestic violence shelters served an average of 122 single adults per month in the first half of 2019; and

Whereas, Non-profit providers who operate these shelters are reimbursed by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services per person per night; and

Whereas, The reimbursement from the State is intended to cover the entire cost of operating domestic violence shelters, including rent, utilities, staffing, and services; and

Whereas, Any reduction in this reimbursement severely impacts the ability of the provider to cover the cost of operating the shelter; and

Whereas, The State reimbursement formula discourages domestic violence emergency shelter providers from placing a smaller family or single adult in a large apartment or room; and

Whereas, Single adult victims of domestic violence have a harder time accessing domestic violence shelters; and

Whereas, A.2583, sponsored by Assembly Member Andrew D. Hevesi, and S.15, sponsored by Senator Andrew Gounardes, would require the State to preserve the full reimbursement to providers who accommodate a single adult in a room configured for a family of two; and

Whereas, This legislation would help increase system-wide capacity for single adults who otherwise face serious obstacles to accessing the domestic violence shelter system; and

Whereas, If enacted, A.2583/S.15 would ensure that providers are not penalized for accommodating a single adult fleeing a dangerous situation; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A.2583/S.15, authorizing certain shelters for victims of domestic violence to be reimbursed for any payment differential for housing a single individual in a room intended for double occupancy.

Session 12

JB/CD

LS 2296

11/21/23

Session 11

CP

LS #9996

Int. #1061-2019