Establishes a co-shelter toolkit of best practices, resources, case studies and other information deemed helpful to inform and encourage the implementation and sustenance of co-shelter models for victims of domestic violence and people experiencing homelessness with companion animals; makes related provisions.
Impact
If enacted, A08375 will amend the social services law by introducing a new section dedicated to developing a comprehensive toolkit. This toolkit will include best practices, resources, and case studies relevant to co-sheltering. It aims to facilitate coalitions among various stakeholders, including housing providers, animal welfare organizations, and local authorities, to foster an inclusive approach for housing arrangements. Through this initiative, the bill intends to enhance current housing policies by integrating accommodations for companion animals.
Summary
Bill A08375 aims to establish a statewide co-shelter toolkit designed to assist housing providers in accommodating both victims of domestic violence and people experiencing homelessness alongside their companion animals. The bill arises from a recognized need, as many individuals remain in abusive situations due to fear of harm coming to their pets or the challenge of finding shelter that allows animals. Current statistics suggest a significant portion of victims would forego seeking shelter if their animals could not accompany them, highlighting a critical gap that this bill seeks to address.
Contention
The implementation of A08375 is expected to generate discussion about the balancing of shelter policies with the humane treatment of animals. Supporters argue that it fills a critical need in the housing system that could reduce the suffering of both domestic violence victims and their pets. Conversely, there may be concerns regarding the potential challenges that arise from integrating animal care into shelter policies, such as health regulations and the readiness of current shelters to adapt to new requirements.
Notable_points
Critically, the bill stipulates that the toolkit will be made widely accessible and will encourage collaboration among various agencies to ensure that evidence-based recommendations are included. It is designed to support existing efforts by housing providers and municipalities while aiming for innovative solutions to reduce barriers that have historically hindered the sheltering process for animal companions.
Same As
Establishes a co-shelter toolkit of best practices, resources, case studies and other information deemed helpful to inform and encourage the implementation and sustenance of co-shelter models for victims of domestic violence and people experiencing homelessness with companion animals; makes related provisions.
Establishes the housing people and animals together grant program to expand access for co-sheltering people experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic violence with companion animals.
Establishes the housing people and animals together grant program to expand access for co-sheltering people experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic violence with companion animals.
Expands the offense of assault in the second degree to include the infliction of physical injury to employees of domestic violence shelters and persons seeking shelter in such shelters.
Requires information on resources for domestic violence and human trafficking victims to be posted in public restrooms and other areas of public buildings which shall be deemed appropriate by the office and task force on human trafficking.
Requires information on resources for domestic violence and human trafficking victims to be posted in public restrooms and other areas of public buildings which shall be deemed appropriate by the office and task force on human trafficking.
Creates the "Jamie Rose care provider act" which requires care providers to provide information in cases of suspected domestic violence; provides a suspected domestic violence victim may refuse domestic violence support information at any time.
Requires animal shelters to annually report on intake and disposition of animals and the number of animals turned away by such shelters; requires shelters to submit such reports to the department of agriculture and markets; requires such department to post the reports on their website.
Provides assistance for SUNY and CUNY students experiencing homelessness; designates liaison officers on campuses; creates systems for students experiencing homelessness to access support services and other resources available to the students.
Provides assistance for SUNY and CUNY students experiencing homelessness; designates liaison officers on campuses; creates systems for students experiencing homelessness to access support services and other resources available to the students.