Enacts the employer-assisted housing matching grant act

• Democratic1

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Patricia Fahy says this is needed

In recent years, New York State has taken important steps to strengthen the human services workforce through targeted investments that have contributed to measurable improvements in turnover and vacancy rates. Despite these improvements, the rising cost of housing has become an equally critical barrier to recruitment and retention, especially in high-cost regions of the state. Nonprofit providers certified or contracted by OPWDD, OMH, and OASAS operate essential programs that support individuals with disabilities, serious mental illness, and substance use disorders. These services depend on a stable, local workforce. However, many employees are unable to secure or maintain housing near their workplace, leading to excessive turnover, staffing shortages, and disruptions in care. Employer-assisted housing has emerged as a proven workforce strategy, but many nonprofit providers lack the resources to scale such programs independently. This bill leverages limited state dollars by matching employer contributions, encouraging shared investment while maximizing impact. By focusing on modest, targeted assistance such as security deposits, rental start-up costs, and down payment support, the program addresses the most immediate housing barriers facing care workers. This approach complements, rather than duplicates, existing housing programs and aligns workforce policy with housing policy to strengthen the stability of New York's human services infrastructure.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.