This bill (S 7032) allows homeless individuals in New York to obtain free non-driver state ID cards without fees. To qualify, applicants must provide verified proof of homelessness from an approved service provider (such as a shelter, social worker, or homeless liaison). The bill amends existing law to add homeless individuals as a category eligible for these fee-free IDs, alongside seniors and certain public assistance recipients. It requires applicants to submit documentation from designated providers, defined under federal homeless assistance guidelines, to confirm housing status.
S 8498 requires providers of state-funded temporary shelters - including drop-in centers (offering daytime services like meals and showers without overnight stays), intake shelters (where people apply for housing), and emergency congregate housing (shared facilities for over 96 hours) - to provide free menstrual products like pads, tampons, and liners. The bill mandates that facilities supply an adequate number of products based on individual needs at no cost to users. It applies specifically to shelters receiving state or state-administered funding, including domestic violence shelters, homeless youth centers, and refugee safe houses. This policy directly ensures access to essential hygiene products for people using these critical support services.
Establishes the housing people and animals together grant program to expand access for co-sheltering people experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic violence with companion animals.
Establishes a five-year window for any entity participating in the New York state supportive housing program (NYSSHP) in good standing with such program to participate in a request for proposal to increase their contract rates up to ESSHI levels.
Makes migrant youth under the age of 25 who are receiving runaway and homeless youth services eligible to receive housing vouchers under the family homelessness and eviction prevention supplement ("FHEPS") program.
Establishes the homeless protection act which designates certain offenses against homeless persons as hate crimes; includes the definition of homelessness.
Requires, in cities having a population of one million or more, supportive housing be disbursed throughout the boroughs of such city in proportion to the borough population.
Relates to eliminating rent for homeless shelters; provides that a homeless individual or family applying for or receiving temporary housing assistance shall not be required to pay to any local or state government or agency or any provider, room and board or contribute any earned or unearned income, available benefits or resources to eliminate their need for temporary housing assistance or as a condition to receive temporary housing assistance from such provider.
Requires the office of mental health to provide an informational notice to supportive housing tenants which contains information about a supportive housing tenant's rights as a tenant, information about their building and other related information.
Provides assistance for SUNY and CUNY students experiencing homelessness; designates liaison officers on campuses; creates systems for students experiencing homelessness to access support services and other resources available to the students.
