BILL NUMBER: S7612
SPONSOR: MARTINEZ
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the social services law, in relation to establishing a
statewide co-shelter toolkit
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to develop a best practice guide for
co-shelter program implementation made available to housing providers,
shelters and municipalities statewide.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: States the Legislative Findings and intent.
Section 2: The social services law is amended by adding a new section
459-bb 19 directing the Office of Temporary Disability Assistance in
consultation with the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence to
establish a comprehensive toolkit inclusive of best practices,
resources, case studies and other information deemed helpful to inform
and encourage the implementation and sustenance of co-shelter models to
serve people experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic violence
with companion animals. Co-sheltering refers to the housing of people
with their companion animals.
Section 3: Is the enacting clause.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Across the state, there is an increased need for sheltered housing
assistance for people experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic
violence with companion animals. Shelters and housing providers are
often confronted with cases they cannot accommodate because of the
no-pet barrier, perpetuating a cycle of people choosing unsheltered
homelessness or to remain in an abusive situation to forgo relinquishing
their beloved companion animal.
The creation of a co-sheltering best practice toolkit will encourage the
implementation of co-shelter programs, while making it approachable and
feasible. The toolkit will provide comprehensive guidance concerning
introductory information on homelessness and circumstances of domestic
violence involving companion animals, partnerships and coalition-build-
ing, systems-level response like data collection and coordinated entry,
program response like low-barrier pet inclusive policies, worker
response including training on animal health and behavior, resources on
funding support and other components deemed necessary informed by
engagement with organizations, housing providers, and agencies.
As we work to address the existing housing crisis, we must create a
holistic plan which includes people experiencing homelessness and
victims of domestic violence with companion animals to ensure we are
recognized and providing support for all housing needs.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
TBD.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it
shall have become a law