From: evelyn talavera Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:45 AM To: Public Testimony Subject: My testimony [You don't often get email from mrsevelove@gmail.com. Learn why this is important at https://aka.ms/LearnAboutSenderIdentification ] Please be cautious This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. ________________________________ My name is Evelyn T. and i live in Meriden Ct. I receive rental assistance through the Independence Northwest's Housing Opportunities Program. I am writing in strong opposition to the City of New Haven's proposed 50% cut to Independence Northwest's rental assistance program. The stated reason for the cut is to keep more funds in New Haven. They are currently retaining 76% of HOPWA funding. If this cut goes through, an estimated 20 people in the Waterbury area won't be able to afford their current monthly rent. This cut will harm me because I am disabled and I cannot afford the full rent. Before I got accepted into this program I was living with someone and struggling with attaining my necessities. I was very depressed and unmotivated to do anything. Always worrying about bills and financial responsibilities. My PTSD and anxieties were getting worse. My caseworker introduced me to the program and I was so elated when I was approved! I found a studio for myself and made it into a home...my home. Having a place of my own empowered me to be a better person. I set goals for myself and went outside my comfort zone and tried new things. And most importantly I am taking better care of myself. I am begging on behalf of myself and everyone that will be affected if this cut goes through...please please please don't propose the 50% cut to Independence Northwest's rental assistance. The City of New Haven receives the federal HOPWA funding for housing services on behalf of the entire county, which includes the Waterbury area. The harm his cut will cause is made worse since I have less than 90 days to figure out how or where I am going to live. I am so so afraid of being homeless. I have come so far. Please please don't make me and others homeless. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Evelyn T.