We believe wholeheartedly in the evidence-based Housing First model, which recognizes permanent housing as the crucial foundation for well-being. Housing First dictates that access to permanent housing should not be contingent on requirements such as staying in a shelter or completing specific programs beforehand. Our community is in dire need of new and revitalized supportive housing. It is imperative that funding be directed toward establishing new, permanent supportive housing units and allocating capital to existing units that urgently require repairs. Community Access joins the Supported Housing Network of New York (SHNNY) in calling for an increase of the Empire State Housing Initiative (ESSHI) per unit rate to $35,000. ESSHI contract starting rates have remained stagnant since 2016, and currently cannot meet the increased costs of land, labor, and materials, or rising interest rates and inflation. We support these critical housing initiatives:
• Bring it Home NY
• Homeless Protection Act

We firmly stand in opposition to coercive policies including Kendra’s Law, which authorizes court ordered involuntary treatment. We advocate for policies that promote trust, autonomy, and self-determination.
• Support for Self-Directed Care

Mental health crises are not a crime, and therefore require appropriate responses from Peers, mental health counselors, social workers, and community health workers – not from the police. New York State must end the deadly and inappropriate reliance on police and transform how we respond to people in need of help.
See more about how we are advocating for better crisis responses:
•CCIT-NYC B-HEARD Advocacy
•Daniel’s Law Advocacy
•Expansion of Crisis Respite Centers
•Close Rikers

The government not only provides the primary funding for human services but also plays a significant role in determining the salaries of human services professionals. Existing contracts in New York City and State have led to the human services workforce being among the lowest-paid workers in the state’s economy. We are dedicated to advocating for cost-of-living adjustments at both the city and state levels, aiming to ensure that human service workers receive living wages.
•City & State COLAs

Accessible healthcare and harm reduction are essential to the well-being of our community members. Expanding access to both makes our community stronger.
•Single Payer Healthcare
•End Medical Debt
•Safer Consumption Spaces
•Overdose Awareness

Community Access supports efforts to address behavioral health workforce shortages through growing the field of Peer Support. We see Peer Support as a foundational element of effective, values-driven services. Efforts to address barriers to becoming a certified Peer worker, and to promote Peer professional development are central to our mission.
•Providing Empathetic and Effective Recovery (PEER) Support Act