For Immediate Release
Contact: Leanne Ricchiuti, Association for Community Living, 518.222.8073
March 4, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
Over 200 Advocates Rally at State Capitol in Largest Mental Health Housing Advocacy Day in Recent Years
Association for Community Living Calls for at least 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase to Protect Critical Community Programs
(Clifton Park, N.Y.) – In the largest show of support in recent years, more than 200 advocates representing 44 agencies from across New York State gathered at the New York State Capitol on March 4 for the Association for Community Living (ACL) annual Advocacy Day, urging state leaders to prioritize funding that sustains and strengthens the state’s community-based mental health housing system.
Providers, residents, direct care workers, and organizational leaders met with legislators and policymakers throughout the day to highlight the essential role community-based housing plays in helping individuals with serious mental illnesses live with dignity, stability, and independence. Advocates emphasized the urgent need for an investment of at least a 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase (TII) in the state budget to address rising operational costs, workforce shortages, and decades of underinvestment that threaten program sustainability.
New York’s mental health housing providers serve tens of thousands of residents statewide through supportive housing, community residences, apartment treatment programs, and other services that reduce hospitalizations, prevent homelessness, and strengthen communities. However, providers report increasing financial strain as costs for utilities, insurance, food, transportation, and staffing continue to rise faster than reimbursement rates.
“Seeing more than 200 advocates from every corner of the state come together sends a powerful message that the community mental health housing system matters, and it needs investment now,” said Emil Slane, Executive Director of the Association for Community Living. “Community-based mental health housing is one of New York’s most effective and compassionate investments, but it only works when programs are adequately funded. Our members are united in calling for at least a 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase so organizations can retain staff, maintain safe housing, and continue delivering life-changing services. Without this investment, the stability that thousands of New Yorkers depend on is at risk.”
Throughout the day, ACL members shared personal stories with legislators demonstrating how OMH residential programs help individuals manage mental health challenges, pursue employment and education, reconnect with family, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Advocates also stressed that sustained investment in community services reduces reliance on more costly emergency and institutional care, resulting in better outcomes for individuals and savings for taxpayers.
ACL leaders noted that this year’s record participation reflects a growing commitment to modernizing and protecting New York’s mental health housing system — a system widely recognized as a successful model when properly supported. Through the Bring It Home Campaign, advocates have already sent nearly 40,000 e-letters to the Governor, demonstrating growing statewide support for investing in community mental health housing.
As state budget negotiations continue, ACL is urging policymakers to include at least a 2.7% Targeted Inflationary Increase and ongoing investments that ensure long-term sustainability of the workforce and housing infrastructure serving New Yorkers living with mental illness.
With more than 100 member agencies supporting nearly 50,000 individuals with serious mental illness, ACL remains committed to strengthening New York’s mental health housing system through advocacy, partnership, and community engagement.
For more information about ACL visit, https://aclnys.org/.
Images to accompany this release may be found here.
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About Association for Community Living. The Association for Community Living (ACL) is a statewide membership organization of not-for-profit agencies that provide housing and rehabilitation services to nearly 50,000 New Yorkers who have been diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illness. Many of the people served in these programs have co-occurring physical health problems and substance use disorders. The day-to-day rehabilitative and support activities performed in community residential and other housing settings are vital for people who face the daily challenges of living with a mental illness and want to live independent, productive and satisfying lives as members of the community.