Regional Racial Justice
Advisory Committee
Summary & Commitment
The Regional Racial Justice Advisory Committee (RRJAC) was formed to provide opportunities for CoCs and community members to get involved in actionable systems change to address racial disparities within the homelessness service sector.
The CARES Commitment:
In July 2020, CARES of NY, Inc. dedicated staff time and funding to support the development and capacity building of a Regional Racial Justice Advisory Committee.
Mission & Principles
The mission of the Regional Racial Justice Advisory Committee is to serve local Continuums of Care as a primary resource and catalyst for the work of racial justice within the homeless service system.
Principles:
• To support, engage and advise the work of local Continuum of Care racial justice committees within the geographic area CARES of NY, Inc. serves.
• To keep the focus of the racial justice committee on long term, structural and systemic change within the homeless service.
• To focus on issues within the homeless service system to address and ensure the dignity and rights of people of color who are socially, politically, or economically disadvantaged.
• To maximize opportunities to assist and work with organizations, coalitions, and neighborhood groups to promote our common interests of racial equity within the homeless service system
CARES of NY, Inc. Points of Contact:
Michelle Sandoz-Dennis, Deputy Director
Erin Reale, Community Liaison
Allyson Ryan, VISTA, Racial Justice Committee Coordinator
Committee Co-Chairs
Candice Whatley, Legal Aid Society of Rockland
Meghan Meyerson, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany
Abra Vermette, Citizen's Advocates
Committee Structure
A minimum of 3 RRJAC representatives are chosen by CoC Board Chairs
Two meetings a month
First and third Mondays between 1:00 PM and 2:30 PM
Commitment & Goal
Commitment and participation within the Committee is greatly appreciated. Without the participation of our members, the Committee would not be able to advise and support the CoC’s work towards racial justice and equity within the homeless service system. As a Committee, we are committing to full participation and work on advising our CoCs towards racially just systematic change within the homeless system.
Time Commitment:
o dedicate 7-10 hours a month (2-3 hrs a week) on RRJC products
o attending meetings
o preparing for local CoC presentation meetings
o meetings with the CARES of NY, Inc. Racial Justice Community Liaison
Active Participation:
o Contribute to discussion
o Email notice to Chairs/CARES staff if you need to miss a meeting
o Attend catch-up call after missed meetings
Identifying CoC Racial Disparities with HMIS Data
Racial Disparities Data Analysis: STEPS
Racial Disparities Data Analysis: BOS
Racial Disparities Data Analysis: HSPB, RCHSC, & SNC
Racial Disparities Data Analysis: FEHC, Ulster, HSPB
To view more videos like these, head over to the CARES of NY, Inc. YouTube Channel
Coming Soon
RRJAC Committee Representation
STEPS
CoC Representatives:
Susan Bull, Suzanne Krull
ACCH
CoC Representatives:
Katrina Middleton, Keion Hennessey
HSPB
CoC Representatives:
Wendy Wahlberg, Tamera Flanders
STHC
CoC Representatives:
Jaharia Liz
RCHSC
RCHSC- NY 512
CoC Representatives:
Starletta Smith
FEHC
FEHC- NY 520
CoC Representatives:
Abra Vermette
PNHC
PNHC - NY 522
CoC Representatives:
William Brown, Caitlin Lashbrooks
SNC
SNC- NY 523
CoC Representatives:
Carrie Wright, Adam Feldman
RCCC
RCCC - NY 606
CoC Representatives:
Candice Whatley, Sheeba Mathai
Ulster
Ulster - NY 608
CoC Representatives:
Dominique Mills, Salvador Altamarino
Balance of State
Balance of State - NY 525
CoC Representatives:
Rick Umholtz, Linda Camoin, Sarah Watson, Arden Estep
Ashley Brody, Ann Ellsworth, Deborah Worden, Toni Taylor
