Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would establish a hospitality gift fund for the homeless.

Res. No. 69

Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation that would establish a hospitality gift fund for the homeless.

By Council Members Levin and Brannan

                     Whereas, Homelessness in New York City has increased dramatically in recent years, while our nation has continued to face challenging economic conditions; and

                     Whereas, In New York City it is particularly difficult for people of modest means to secure reasonably affordable housing; and

                     Whereas, As of December 2017, there were over 60,000 homeless people sleeping each night in the New York City shelter system; and

                     Whereas, Over the course of Fiscal Year 2013, more than 111,000 different individuals slept in the shelter system, including more than 40,000 different children; and

                     Whereas, A.3495-2015, sponsored by Assembly Member Keith L.T. Wright, would have established a voluntary hotel unit fee of two dollars per day that would have funded a “Hospitality Gift Fund for the Homeless”; and

                     Whereas, The fund would have helped not-for profit tax-exempt entities deliver services to the homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless, with the goal of reducing homelessness in New York State; and

                     Whereas, Every New Yorker deserves a decent place to live and more should be done to eliminate homelessness in New York City; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign legislation that would establish a hospitality gift fund for the homeless.

JM

LS# 778

LS# 3173/Res. 503-2014

12/22/2017