Heading Back to Home(base) HSU Recommendations for Returning to an Effective Community Stabilization Program
Homebase Works. Here’s How NYC Can Get It Back on Track.
When Homebase was founded in 2004, its goal was to provide people with services to prevent them from becoming homeless. Since then, housing has become increasingly unaffordable, and the number of homeless individuals has increased both throughout New York City. This caused the city government to shift its priorities from diverse prevention services to connecting as many individuals as possible with housing subsidies. The current mission of Homebase has strayed so far from its original intentions that contracted nonprofit service providers no longer feel that they are effectively serving their community. A realignment of the Homebase system is needed to truly meet vulnerable New Yorkers and give them the knowledge and assistance needed to thrive independently in the long term. Using data and information from the teams operating Homebase programs across the city, HSU created these recommendations to improve program operations and outcomes.
Our recommendations call for increased funding to hire and retain case managers, stronger HRA technology and clearer communication with providers, simpler voucher applications, dedicated resources for older New Yorkers, and performance measures that reflect long-term stability for the New Yorkers Homebase serves rather than application counts. Together, these changes would give providers the time and flexibility to return to the individualized, prevention-focused case management that made Homebase a national model.
HSU Statement on HUD’s FY2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Changes
Homeless Services United (HSU) is deeply concerned about the sharp policy shift announced in the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) FY2025 CoC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), which would destabilize community infrastructure and put thousands of households at risk of losing their housing.
Federal Government Shutdown Statement
Homeless Services United (HSU) has released a statement on the ongoing federal government shutdown, outlining its impact on housing, benefits, and the nonprofit service system in New York City. The statement provides clear guidance for providers, city and state partners, and the public as the shutdown enters its second week with no resolution in sight
HSU’s Mayoral Platform 2025
HSU’s Mayoral Platform 2025 outlines five key reforms to end homelessness in New York City—improving shelter conditions, reforming outreach, ensuring timely payments, expanding housing access, and strengthening workforce opportunities. Grounded in Housing First, the platform calls for bold, practical solutions built on partnership and dignity.
Provider-led Response to Reshaping Street Homelessness Outreach
This report is a response to the critical gap seen in recent proposals on addressing street homelessness: the absence of input from street outreach providers who work directly with clients. This document shares recommendations from direct service providers on key areas where we believe we can make changes to increase the effectiveness of street outreach.