Published on Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness & Housing (
http://www.iahh.org
)
Primary Concerns of the Emergency Shelter Network
Changes to the Respite Bed Network
DHS proposes an increased number of respite beds but barriers to participation will actually decrease the current number of beds
Structure of Respite Bed RFP allows for prohibitive parameters to be placed on community-based partners by the respite bed contractor
The requirements of community-based partners to remain open are not met in the RFPs
Changes to Drop-In Centers
RFPs eliminate overnight services and reduce the number of drop-in centers citywide
Individuals who would access drop-in centers at night must now be absorbed into central intake centers or sleep on the street
Closing of 30th St. Intake Center in Manhattan
There should be a full-service intake center in every borough
There are no definitive plans for another Manhattan intake center
There is no money in the Mayor’s 2009-2010 budget for another Manhattan intake center
Vulnerable Populations
Drop-In Centers serving specifically women, seniors and the mentally ill will be closed
General drop-in centers will not be able to meet unique needs of these populations adequately
Shift to a focus on chronic street homelessness
This is not the population served by the Emergency Shelter Network
While efforts should be made by DHS to serve this group, these efforts should not diminish the services for non-chronic street homeless individuals
The ESN does not have the capabilities or resources to address the needs of chronic street-homeless individuals
Final Thoughts
Less people, not more, will be served under the new structures
The ability of the ESN to continue participating in the shelter system is in jeopardy
Source URL:
http://www.iahh.org/advocacy/drop-in-restructuring/concerns
