Cuomo Fails to Provide Adequate Resources for Housing

February 8, 2018

Dear Editor:

In Governor Cuomo’s Budget proposal, $10 million dollars was allocated towards the community-based mental health housing system. However, even though we are grateful to be in the budget, we have not received increased funding in decades. Due to this shortfall in funding, Long Island’s mental health housing system is at the brink of a financial crisis.

As the Director of Behavioral Health Services of Mercy Haven, I know that stable housing is an integral component towards recovery for members of our community who are suffering from psychiatric disabilities. Over 250 of Long Island’s most vulnerable rely on our organization to help them reintegrate into our community and back into their families. This cannot be sustained without adequate funding.

That is why it was so disappointing that Governor Cuomo failed to provide adequate funding in the state budget to support our system, even after promising to “provide whatever social services or address whatever needs the individual presents. It is our job.”

Whether through family members, colleagues or friends–we all know someone who either suffers from psychiatric disabilities or is affected by the struggles of a loved one.

Our Governor and state leaders must stand up for these vulnerable members of our families and communities, and adequately fund community-based mental health housing. It’s the single best way to put New Yorkers on the path to recovery, and without appropriate funding, we will find ourselves in the midst of a public health crisis.

Sincerely,

Lorrie Oricoli

Director of Behavioral Health Services

Mercy Haven, Inc.

Islip Terrace, NY