Reflections from the NY Supportive Housing Network Conference by Ashley Matrassi, CoC Director
Ashley Matrassi, CoC Director, left of center, speaks on a panel at the Supportive Housing Network of New York’s Annual Conference
Earlier this month, I had the honor of attending the Supportive Housing Network of New York’s Annual Conference- the largest supportive housing gathering in NY. Representing the NY-508 Continuum of Care (CoC), I also had the incredible privilege of speaking on a panel about Coordinated Entry.
Our panel focused on the real, day-to-day challenges and innovations of the Coordinated Entry system over the years- how we prioritize, how we improve access, and how we center equal opportunity, lived experience, and provider collaboration in all that we do. Not only was it inspiring to share our work, but equally humbling to learn from others leading this work across the state.
And this was just one piece of this powerful event.
With over 23 workshops, hundreds of “changemakers,” and keynote speaker Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the energy in the room was electric. We heard from the Network’s amazing Pascale Leone, survivors of domestic violence whose advocacy alongside NY State partners helped secure historic state increases for NYSSHP and ESSHI initiatives in our States budget. Every session and every conversation was a true reminder that our work is urgent, collective, and deeply human.
Ann Oliva’s keynote struck a powerful chord:
“We have to fight for what we know people need…. Is it possible to end homelessness? We have to be clear every time we talk about it that the answer is YES.”
She also reminded us that this moment- despite its true challenges- is also an opportunity. Quoting President Obama, she said:
“We can’t let a crisis go to waste. This is a time to do big things.”
That statement, “do big things,” made me think: What more can we be doing- right now to protect the progress we have made?
Whelp… if there was ever a time to act, it’s now! Still with me? Good- because what I am about to say matters!
About two weeks ago, the White House released details of its FY2026 budget proposal, which includes devastating cuts to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD). One of the most harmful proposals is the complete elimination of Permanent Supportive Housing- a critical program that helps people with disabling conditions exit homelessness and STAY HOUSED!
If these cuts go through, more than 2,000 people in Western New York alone could lose their homes. Again, in case you missed it, more than 2,000 people in Western New York alone could lose their homes!
This isn’t a distant policy debate- it is something that will DIRECTLY impact lives in our community. Not just the individuals living in these homes, but also the agencies working tirelessly to support them, the frontline staff who get up every day to serve our community, the landlords who open doors to vulnerable tenants, and the neighborhoods striving to create stability and safety for all.
That is why advocacy matters so much! It is how we protect our community, protect our essential housing programs, and make sure no one is left behind- including our children, who are our future. Every child deserves the chance to grow up in a safe and stable home with real opportunities for a better life!
Advocacy isn’t just part of this work, but how we move our work forward.
This conference reminded me that while the mountain ahead may be steep, we are not climbing it alone. Across New York and beyond, people are coming together with conviction and clarity. Housing is not a privilege; it is a HUMAN RIGHT. And we are building a system that reflects that truth.
As Ann closed her keynote, she left us with a message I won’t soon forget:
“We must always stay united, keep fighting for what we believe in, and never lose our joy.”
So, readers, let’s carry that forward. Let’s keep showing up with joy, urgency, and the unwavering belief that HOUSING ENDS HOMELESSNESS!
