A new study by VOCAL-NY and the Community Development Project at the Urban Justice Center includes new data on the negative health impacts of homelessness on people living with HIV/AIDS in the New York City shelter system, according to a VOCAL-NY statement. The study, which was based on 82 surveys and three local focus groups, also looks at the unnecessary costs the current shelter system accrues. At a policy briefing and panel discussion at the New York Housing Authority, members of VOCAL-NY recommended that low-income people living with HIV/AIDS who qualify for housing assistance pay no more than 30 percent of their disability income toward rent in subsidized, independent housing. Former Governor David Paterson vetoed the bill in 2010. Current Governor Andrew Cuomo considered it during his Medicaid reform process, but it was dropped because New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg opposed it. Activists are hopeful the mayoral elections this fall will bring the bill back into the legislative spotlight.

To read the statement, click here.

To read the study, click here.