A Precious Needle In a Multibillion Dollar Haystack
Governor Cuomo recently signed a $138 billion budget. Buried in this huge sum is a revolutionary new item. Thanks to eleventh hour efforts by a dedicated group of supporters (organized by Community Access), leaders in the state legislature included $400,000 to launch a statewide program to assist police departments in designing and implementing crisis intervention teams (CITs).
Modeled after successful programs in over 2,500 communities throughout the United States, CITs have been shown to reduce injuries and death involving persons experiencing an emotional crisis, and to improve treatment outcomes by redirecting people in crisis to specially designed centers staffed by mental health professionals and trained peer staff.
- More photos are on our Facebook page
The advocacy effort to secure political support and funding began over a year and a half ago, and was substantially led by our community organizer, Carla Rabinowitz. Dozens of organizations and hundreds of individuals have signed on to the effort, including many citizens who have experienced violent encounters with the police. Intense planning is now underway to make sure these vital funds are used wisely, and planning for new programs will begin as soon as possible.
Speaking of advocacy and the state budget, Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders have also expanded their commitment to affordable housing in New York through allocating a $100 million boost to build and preserve 3,000 additional affordable housing units in 2014.
For four decades, Community Access has advocated tirelessly for housing resources. For people who have been homeless and struggling with mental illness, access to affordable housing means so much more than just having a roof over their heads. Time and again, having a home offers the stability people need to pursue careers and education, or volunteer and participate actively in the community. The economic impact is also profound: neighborhoods are revitalized, skilled workers with unique life perspectives join the workforce, and tax payers save hundreds of millions of dollars on shelters, jails and emergency hospitalizations.
These thoughtful decisions we’re seeing at the legislative level all begin with you. We ask you to take a stand with Community Access to help us continue to advocate for housing, health and human rights.
I encourage you to volunteer, share ideas, make a contribution, attend an event, and help introduce us to new friends and supporters.
