About a dozen people marched around the state office building today calling on the governor and lawmakers to properly fund housing programs for those with mental illness. They’ve been holding these weekly marches for the past month as part of a statewide “bring it home” campaign. Director of residential programs at CNY Services Tracy Lord-Mortas says the governor’s proposed a $10 million increase in funding for mental health issues falls far short.
“There are 40,000 units of mental health houses across New York state, so you can imagine that $10 million...also given how far behind inflation we are. We haven’t got any significant increase in over ten years, at least not significant enough increase to get us where we need to be.”
Lord-Mortas says without proper housing, those with mental illness can’t get the support they need, and end up in and out of hospitals and even jail. Long-time activist Agnes McCray says it can become a vicious cycle.
“The justice system cannot be the answer. It not the cure all and all. And it’s sad to see how many are there, had nowhere to go, and are back on the street.”
The advocates are hoping lawmakers allocate more funding for mental health housing during the final week of budget negotiations. The state budget deadline is April first.