| Project Renewal Goes to Albany |
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(From Left) Deputy Director Mark Hurwitz, Assemblyman Keith Wright, and Nancy Scott Frasier
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St. Nicholas House resident Nancy Scott Frasier and Deputy Director Mark Hurwitz traveled to Albany to urge legislators and state officials to protect funding for homeless services. Governor Paterson has proposed a staggering cut to homeless services that would close the doors to recovery for thousands of New Yorkers.
Nancy spoke movingly to Albany representatives about becoming homeless in 2004 after losing her job and escaping a troubled home life. Thanks to Project Renewal's New Providence women's shelter she received the counseling, mentorship, and tools she desperately needed. Today Nancy has achieved her goals of receiving her GED and moving into her own apartment at St. Nicholas House.
Nancy reminded state officials that without Project Renewal's help she would still be on the streets. Her moving plea put a face on the impact of service cuts. These cuts are not just another news story -they jeopardize the support network for thousands of people like Nancy.
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| Be the Voice of Homeless New Yorkers |
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With severe cuts threatening crucial services, homeless men and women need our help more than ever. The head of Coalition for the Homeless blogged on The Huffington Post about the dire circumstances that would slash over $100 million from homeless services. Governor Paterson proposes that homeless New Yorkers draw from their disability checks or nonexistent paychecks in order to pay rent for shelter. This unrealistic expectation would mean longer shelter stays and cuts to the comprehensive programs that Project Renewal provides. Deputy Director Mark Hurwitz expressed his concerns in a recent New York Times article that the cuts could "transform service-providing shelters into people warehouses".
On top of the proposed cuts comes news from the Department of Homeless Services reporting a 34% spike in their annual census of homeless men and women. This sharp increase is evidence that the demand and need exist for our programs. Yet we are faced with the very real threat that aid will only be cut.
We all share concern for what the cuts will mean to our clients in recovery. We want our clients to continue to get the help they need to move on to productive and satisfying lives. The astounding 39,200 homeless that seek shelter every night need our voices to speak on their behalf. Let your voice be heard. S end your letter to the governor today by clicking here. |
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Driven to Serve |
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MedVan Driver Tracy Jones was featured in the March issue of Current Science, the children's science magazine. One million middle school students were touched by Tracy's commitment as a driver, certified HIV counselor, and phlebotomist.
Mobile clinic delivers healthcare to
homeless men and women.
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