Albany, NY – After weeks of delays in negotiations, AM Shrestha along with colleagues and housing advocates, celebrated the inclusion of the Housing Access Voucher program in the State’s 2025-26 budget proposal.

“I am thrilled that the Governor and Legislature have reached agreement in this year’s State Budget to pilot a Housing Access Voucher Program, an initiative I’ve strongly supported to help struggling residents in a time of sky-rocketing housing costs,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “Too many people in our county are barely scraping by to pay the rent, with nearly 30% of renters considered ‘severely cost burdened.’ This is not just an urban problem, it’s a rural problem as well, and I want to thank Assembly Member Sarahana Shrestha, Assembly and Senate leaders, and Governor Hochul for working to get the HAVP over the finish line.”

Laura Nordstrom, Director of Housing and Homelessness, DSS: "The lack of units that are affordable for individuals and families to transition to from emergency housing has had a dramatic impact on the length of stays in emergency housing. At a time when HUD is reducing Section 8, a state piloted subsidy is crucial. The Housing Access Voucher Program will provide real opportunity for people to obtain stable housing across our communities."