Thank You for Standing Strong for Supportive Housing in 2025
As we close out 2025, the Supportive Housing Network of New York would like to thank our members, partners, tenant advocates, and allies for the extraordinary collective work we accomplished together this year. We are deeply proud of what this community achieved—and grateful to stand alongside you in advancing supportive housing across New York State.
As a community, the supportive housing community was laser-focused in 2025 on defending and advancing supportive housing during a period of profound federal uncertainty. Together, we rallied, elevated our message in the media, and made New York the congressional epicenter of federal supportive housing funding advocacy. We secured significant budgetary and legislative victories at both the state and city levels, educated policymakers and the public about the supportive housing model and our communities’ priorities, and—through it all—our members continued to do what they do best: open new supportive housing residences and provide life-changing services to tenants across the state.
Together, we proudly achieved the following in 2025:
Federal Advocacy
· Organized six rallies across the state with nearly 700 attendees
· Generated more than 300 email actions to members of Congress · Influenced Attorney General Letitia James to lead a coalition of attorneys general in suing the Trump Administration to protect Continuum of Care (CoC) funding
New York State Advocacy
· Launched the Network’s second annual State of Supportive Housing Report, including the first-ever analysis of supportive housing tenant demographics alongside updated unit and program data
· Secured major state budget victories, including:
· $17.8 million increase to the New York State Supportive Housing Program (NYSSHP), the largest increase in the program’s nearly 40-year history
· $25 million in Homeless Housing Assistance Program (HHAP) funding—critical capital support for supportive housing development
· The first increase to Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) operating funding in the program’s nine-year history: $31,000 per unit per year statewide and $34,000 per unit in the NYC metro area
· 2.6% Targeted Inflationary Increase for behavioral health programs across the state
· Celebrated the opening of 1,849 new supportive housing units across New York State
New York City Advocacy
· Secured a $46 million city investment reallocating resources from unawarded NYC 15/15 scattered-site units toward the development and preservation of 5,850 supportive housing units—an outcome of sustained, collective advocacy that began in 2023
· Passed Intro 1100, the landmark “Jail Is Not a Home” bill, ensuring time spent in jail or prison counts toward the homeless time requirement for supportive housing and removing a harmful barrier to access
· Ensured supportive housing representation in the next administration, with the Network’s Executive Director selected to serve on Mayor-Elect Mamdani’s Housing Transition Committee
Public Education & Media
Elevated supportive housing priorities through coordinated public education and media engagement:
· Earned 63 media placements, including 26 print articles, 10 broadcast segments, and 26 press releases
· Represented at over a dozen conferences across New York State and the country, advancing key policy and programmatic conversations
Events & Convenings
· Network 2025 Conference: Record-breaking attendance with more than 2,000 registrants and 24 workshops and panels
· Network 2025 Gala: Our most highly attended gala to date, honoring two Neighbors of the Year and seven Unsung Heroes
· 16th Annual Housing & Support Services Conference: Co-sponsored in Niagara Falls, featuring a first-ever Supportive Housing Track with five panels · Tenant of the Year Nominee Breakfast: Honored more than 20 tenants for their self-empowerment, growth, and positive impact within their residences and communities
Programs & Workforce Development
Safety & Well-Being Training Series & Community of Practice: In its second year, 25 agencies participated; 730 unique staff were trained; 280 earned certificates of completion; and 30 staff completed the Community of Practice cohort. Across both years, 55 agencies have participated, reaching 1,370 staff, awarding 380 certificates, and graduating 75 CoP participants—demonstrating our shared commitment to safety and well-being across the sector
· Readying Emerging Leaders in Supportive Housing (RELISH): Celebrated 30 graduates in 2025. Since its launch, RELISH has now prepared 120 emerging leaders for advancement in the homeless and housing sector · Launched the Network’s inaugural Vendor Expo, connecting Network nonprofit members with vendors to improve service delivery and care
Thank you for mobilizing your communities—turning out for rallies and lobby days, contacting legislators, speaking at and attending events, and participating in Network programs that strengthen our workforce and better serve tenants and communities statewide.
This community has proven, time and time again, that when we fight together, we win. Let’s carry this momentum into 2026 and secure the bold victories our tenants, staff, and state deserve.
To our members, event sponsors, and funders, thank you for your support that enables the Network to do our critical work. If you are a Network Member, please fill out our 2025 Membership Survey HERE.
With gratitude and solidarity,
The Supportive Housing Network of New York