ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) Advocates for New Yorkers with mental illness say the state is falling behind on investments in community housing for this vulnerable group.
Legislators have scheduled a hearing Monday to examine existing housing programs for the mentally ill, with a focus on the best ways to improve the system.
Toni Lasicki, director of the Association for Community Living, says the housing system for the mentally ill is at a financial breaking point and that more must be done to help this vulnerable group of New Yorkers. Lasicki's organization represents programs and agencies that provide services and housing for 30,000 people with significant mental health challenges.
Lasicki says increasing funding isn't just the right thing to do, but that it will reduce other costs related to homelessness, incarceration and emergency room visits.
