Opinion: New York needs the Housing Access Voucher Program

What do two New York state housing chairs, the president of the Real Estate Board of New York and the CEO of Women in Need have in common? Our strong commitment to passing the Housing Access Voucher Program, or HAVP, in this year’s state budget. Without HAVP (S72/A1704), thousands of New Yorkers who could otherwise be living in safe, stable and affordable housing will continue to call our streets and shelters home, which is why we are teaming up to get this life-saving program over the budget finish line.

We have long fought to pass HAVP. However, this moment is more urgent than ever. Federal policies, such as tariffs on steel and aluminum, will undoubtedly stymie housing production in New York. The Department of Government Efficiency’s proposed plan to slash 50% of the federal workforce that administers Section 8 benefits could lead to the loss of critical vouchers. And the recent loss of federal Emergency Housing Vouchers threatens the homes of 9,910 New Yorkers.

New York is already facing a housing crisis of historic proportions. On any given night, 120,000 people, including families and children, find themselves without a stable home, forced into shelters or onto our streets. Thousands of other homeless New Yorkers remain unseen in official counts, couch-surfing in overcrowded apartments or relying on temporary living arrangements with relatives and friends. Since 2009, the number of homeless New Yorkers has increased by 150%, and without decisive action, this trajectory will only get worse.

Ensuring tenants can pay their rent is a crucial step in addressing the housing crisis, mitigating homelessness and improving long-term health, social and economic outcomes. HAVP is modeled on the successful federal Section 8 program but is uniquely tailored to New York’s housing needs, providing rental assistance to low-income New Yorkers throughout the state. HAVP's funding would be dedicated to securing permanent housing for currently homeless individuals and families and preventing at-risk households from falling into homelessness. 

Housing vouchers have long been proven to reduce housing instability and homelessness. The New York Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council’s 2024 Recommendations and Progress Report underscores the importance of a Section 8-style voucher program in reducing child poverty. Access to housing vouchers has also been found to reduce the number of children placed in foster care. And rental assistance prevents seniors and others from going without food, medicine or other necessities.

HAVP will also provide the state money in the long run. A 2024 report published by WIN estimates that HAVP would generate over $95 million in savings on emergency shelter costs in its first year alone. Given the loss of federal funding for a myriad of programs, saving every possible dollar counts.

It is time for New York to take bold action to address this crisis. Passing HAVP will provide immediate relief to thousands of struggling families. It will not, by itself, end the housing crisis, but it is a crucial step along the path toward a future where all New Yorkers have access to a safe, stable, affordable home.

We must seize this moment and act decisively. New Yorkers cannot wait any longer.