[Ed. note: This My View is in response to both an op-ed and further commentary online.]

I am profoundly saddened as I read the letter by the Association of Supervisors of Sullivan County, sent to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul regarding Assembly Bill A8386A, the Faith-Based Affordable Housing Act. 

What I read in their My View is an irrational misunderstanding of the text of this proposed law, and that they are trying to persuade and rule through misinformed fear, using fear-based rhetoric of clear-cutting our forests and destroying our air and water quality, desperately trying to maintain a patriarchal status quo that disavows those who are less fortunate than they are.

I am disappointed that these “leaders” choose to disparage a law that is designed to help alleviate an incredible humanitarian crisis that we face in Sullivan County. Are you really saying that we as a county have no room in our hearts to provide an avenue for the provision of safe, healthy shelter (one of humanity’s basic needs)?

If the supervisors had taken the time to read the text of the proposed law, they would see that this proposed law defines “covered sites” as urban areas defined and designated by the U.S. Census Bureau. There are just two such areas in Sullivan County that are defined as urban areas.

The supervisors are sadly mistaken and fearful about the intent of this proposed law. This is an opportunity to allow for a religious organization to develop safe, affordable housing in our county for families who, just like us, want a safe home in which to raise their children but do not have the same privilege as we do. Do they really believe that a faith-based movement to provide safe, affordable housing is so heinous? Can you imagine a Quaker, Methodist, Unitarian Universalist, Jewish, Muslim (the possibilities of faith-based programs are amazing) affordable housing program to provide for a basic human need? Does that really have to be so scary for you? 

I encourage each of you to read and understand the full text of this proposed law. Please do not try to trade on your fear in a misguided attempt to deny safe housing to families who have not been afforded our privilege.

And to address Joanne Pentangelo’s questions: Tusten Supervisor Ben Johnson is the only supervisor in Sullivan County who will not trade on fear to keep people down.

Stephen Stuart, CPHT, lives in the Town of Tusten, NY.