[Enews] Alert: Urge Gov Pataki to Sign OMH Housing Wait List Bill!

[NAMI-NYS Enews]

PLEASE DISTRIBUTE WIDELY: Letters urgently needed
URGE GOVERNOR PATAKI TO SIGN THE HOUSING WAIT LIST BILL!  

WE HAVE UNTIL AUGUST 3RD TO MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD. 

Housing for people with psychiatric disablities is our number one priority.  It is practically impossible to recover from a serious mental illness if one does not have an appropriate place to live.

Several weeks ago, the NYS Legislature passed a bill that would require the NYS Office of Mental Health to maintain a waiting list that would provide the state with needed information to do long-term planning to assure that New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities are assisted to live in community settings that best meet their individual needs.

Advocates are very concerned about getting the Governor's signature on the bill and, at this time, fear a veto.  

The Governor's office has reported that they have heard virtually nothing from the "public" on this issue. We need the Governor to hear from YOU!

The bill is expected to go to the Governor on August 4th, so please get your letters in by the 3rd.   

Please use the sample letter as a guide and send it to the Governor.  Shorten it, rewrite it, modify it or disregard it if you like, but please convey the message, AND EITHER PERSONALIZE THE PARAGRAPH IN PARENTHESIS OR DELETE IT.  DO NOT SEND IT AS IS. 

Please go to the Campaign for Mental Health Housing website at www.campaign4housing.org for more information, updates on the Campaign, and sample materials.  
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Governor George E. Pataki
Executive Chamber 
State Capitol
Albany, NY 12224 

Dear Governor Pataki

 I am writing to ask for your support and leadership in signing 3653-A Morahan/ 2895-A Rivera. This critically needed legislation establishes a waiting list for people with psychiatric disabilities who are actually seeking community housing.

The mental health housing waiting list will provide state policymakers with an accurate picture of how much mental health housing is needed in local communities as a basis for realistic, long-term planning. This information can be used by the State to develop and reform mental health housing, which is vital to those who need it.  It is practically impossible to recover from a serious mental illness if one does not have an appropriate place to live. 

Such a list is nothing new in New York State. It is already standard practice for the NYS Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities. Many providers and local governments already have responsibilities similar to this. It is time that the actual need for mental health housing services be recognized and quantified.

(If possible, please add a brief (3-4 sentences) personal or professional story here about a family member or someone you know who is in need of housing.) 

Providing mental health housing is a wise investment.  It provides an affordable alternative to hospitals, jails and homeless shelters. It enables individuals to have a safe place to rejoin their communities and rebuild their lives.

Please sign this bill so we can get the facts, and let the facts lead the way to a brighter future.


Sincerely, 






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