Bloomberg Takes Ax to Supportive AIDS Housing Services

Bloomberg proposes cuts to successful programs meant to help the neediest.

In the newest version of the 2012 budget, Mayor Bloomberg has chosen to cut more than $5 million in supportive housing services for the neediest clients at the HIV/AIDS Services Administration.

"It's backward and it's shortsighted," said Kristin Goodwin, Housing Works' director of NYC policy and organizing. "Supportive housing is the number one proven way to keep vulnerable individuals stable and healthy. New York City is going to end up paying millions in emergency services because Bloomberg is pushing people onto the streets."

Last week, in his second budget plan, Bloomberg revealed that he will not chop 248 case managers employed by HASA, the agency that links low-income New Yorkers to lifesaving benefits. But advocates couldn't even pause to celebrate, because the mayor has instead taken an ax to critical supportive housing services at HASA.

Housing Works and allies are calling on the City Council to use its discretionary funds to fully restore the mayor's cuts to supportive housing.

There are now two proposed cuts to HASA's supportive housing programs:

First, a cut from Bloomberg's initial budget plan -- a $2.718 million reduction in funds for supportive housing case management -- is still on the table.

Second, Bloomberg's newest budget plan proposes another cut -- a $2.368 million across-the-board reduction to all supportive housing contracts.

Supportive housing is permanent, affordable housing linked to key services like health care and help with substance use. It is designed for disabled and formerly homeless people who face a range of challenges, and its goal is to help them become healthy and independent. It has been used with success across the city -- it is cheaper than other alternatives to homelessness, such as shelters and institutions. And studies show that clients thrive.

The supportive housing case managers on the chopping block are the key to the success of people in supportive housing. Case managers not only link tenants to health care, but act as nurturing counselors, enrolling clients in programs that help them stay drug free and encouraging them to seek out education, careers and life goals.

As Nick Napolitano, policy analyst at the Supportive Housing Network of New York, put it: "On-site case managers offer formerly homeless HIV-positive tenants an opportunity pursue dreams small and large, an absent component in their lives before supportive housing."

Also up for cuts:

Bloomberg has proposed other reductions that effect people living with HIV/AIDS.

The second version of the executive budget includes a $695,000 cut for HASA contracts that provide food and nutrition services and financial management. This cut means the mayor will eliminate all funds that go to the Momentum Project, a food pantry and meals program.

The budget also includes a reduction of $1.257 million in HASA rental assistance that may make it difficult for HASA tenants who request an enhanced assistance level to obtain this enhancement.

Lastly, two new policies (read about them here) will make it significantly harder for HASA clients to find housing.

"It's been so clearly shown for people living with HIV and AIDS that housing is a key to their health," said Goodwin. "And when we put their housing at risk, we put all of New York at risk."

Join Housing Works and thousands of New Yorkers to march against Bloomberg cuts on May 12.