LiveOn NY’s Executive Budget Hearing Testimony
LiveOn NY’s members include more than 110 community-based nonprofits that provide core services under the NYCAging portfolio and many other home and community based services in our city.
Background
The aging services system is not prepared for the current needs in our city and we see no major plans to upgrade services to meet the clear upcoming increase in needs that was revealed through multiple reports published over the past few years. Additionally we have heard that the end of federal Section 8 funding will prevent the city from investing in new 100% Senior Affordable housing (SARA housing) for 4-5 years, which would mean no new buildings for nearly 10 years.
We must invest in a multi year campaign to fully fund our current aging services system and build in new programs to meet new needs. Below is only a short list of the $2.3 billion in new investment we are recommending as part of the AgeStrong NYC Campaign.
Recommendations
Guarantee 100% Senior Affordable Housing: We must find city and state funding alternatives that do not end the city’s SARA senior housing program. Additionally if there will be more multigeneration housing, there must be intentional programs and services for the specific needs of older residents.
$30 million for 7 day Home Delivered Meals: The current HDM program does not guarantee weekend and emergency meals through city contracts with providers. The city must take full responsibility for the program to allow providers to get full payment for each meal served.
Commit to New SCRIE Income Limits: The state passed a new law increasing SCRIE income limits from $50,000 to $75,000 and the city must commit to both honoring that increase and notifying eligible residents that they can apply for this benefit. Currently less than half of eligible tenants receive this benefit and not having it puts many older adults in rent regulated housing at risk of food insecurity, medical crisis, or homelessness.
Expand Aging Services to Meet the Clear Growing Need: Older adults are the fastest growing demographic in NYC and we are not reflecting that in public discourse around city services, nor in the budget or policy landscape. We must begin to rethink how our service network works to account for the growing population instead of ignoring the reality we face. Reasonable investments and a shift in focus can create a city where all generations can live and thrive and we do not view older people as a burden. Older new yorkers deserve the resources they need to participate in our city and as we age we have so much value we can give back, if we don’t we’re knowingly pushing our most experienced neighbors out of their communities and out of our lives.
