Minutes of the
CONSUMERS COMMITTEE
March 18, 2025, 2:00PM – 3:30PM
MINUTES
Committee Members Present: Marcelo Maia Soares (Co-chair), John Schoepp (Co-chair), Raffi Babakhanian (Consumer-at-Large), Asia Betancourt, Lisa Best, Randal Bruce, Paul Carr, Billy Fields, Lawrence Francis, Yves Gebhardt, John Goldenbridge, David Klotz, Charmaine Graham, Ralph Henderson, David Martin, Rob Walker
Staff Present: Michael Navejas, Doienne Saab, Kimbirly Mack, Abraham Omeyoma
Guest Present: Jazmonay Cherry
Agenda Item 1: Welcome/Introductions/Reading of Rules of Respectful Engagement/Moment of Silence/Minutes
John S. and Marcelo opened the meeting with a group reading of the rules of respectful engagement and a moment of silence. Group introductions were followed by an introduction of Ms. Jazmonay Cherry, Housing Program Director of Destination Tomorrow.
The minutes of the February 18, 2025 meeting were approved with no changes.
Agenda Item 2: Destination Tomorrow’s Housing/Shelter Department
Ms. Cherry presented on the services provided by Destination Tomorrow’s Housing and Shelter Development, underscoring the importance of not only providing housing assistance but also opportunities for personal and professional development. She opened her presentation by explaining three types of rental assistance programs including:
- CityHEPs, available for individuals without families
- HEPs, limited rental assistance and available for families
- Sota, rental assistance based on limited income
Ms. Cherry closed her presentation on housing unit availability at Destination Tomorrow. They included the following:
- Windsor Hotel—Available for immediate occupancy. It temporary houses migrants or “Special Population Support Services”.
- Collective Paper Factory—Available for immediate occupancy. Provides temporary housing for Migrants or ‘Special Population Support Services”
- Trans Male House Program—Available for immediate Temporary Comprehensive Housing for Trans Males
- SWITCH Housing Program (Sex Workers Immediate Temporary Comprehensive Housing)—Available for Trans males and women
Agenda Item 3: CAB Town Hall Subcommittee
Update and Discussion
Michael opened the discussion on the CAB Town Hall Run of Show by first providing context for the purpose of the town hall. Michael stated that one of the main purposes of the town hall is gather consumer input that will convince agencies to support CABs as the best way for getting meaningful consumer feedback. John, Marcelo and other Committee members echoed the same sentiment. Michael provided guest panelist updates, stating that clients from ACQC, SUNY Downstate, Housing Works, H+H, and the Tri-County area had been invited.
CAB Town Hall flyers sent prior to the meeting were discussed. The flyer was well-received.
Agenda Item 4: Public Comment
Public comments by Committee Members included a call to action, given Trump’s recent executive orders.
Agenda Item 5: Other
In lieu of a Consumers Committee meeting in April, we will have the CAB Town Hall on April 15, 2025 from 9:30 to 2:30 pm at The Center.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
