Policy & Research Intern – Supportive Housing Preservation (Summer 2026) @Supportive Housing Network of New York

Location: New York, NY (Hybrid or Remote)
Time Commitment: 20 hours/week for 8-10 weeks
Compensation: $4,000 stipend
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About the Organization
The Supportive Housing Network of New York is a nonprofit membership organization representing supportive housing providers across the state. The Network advances policies that promote the development and sustainability of supportive housing-combining affordable housing with services to help vulnerable individuals and families remain stably housed.
Through advocacy, policy analysis, research, and public education, the Network works to end homelessness among New York's most vulnerable populations and ensure the long-term quality and viability of supportive housing statewide.
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About the Internship
The Network is seeking a Policy & Research Intern to support a high-priority policy initiative focused on the preservation of New York State's existing supportive housing portfolio.
New York has developed one of the largest supportive housing systems in the nation, but a significant portion of these units are at risk due to chronic underfunding and looming federal funding cuts. Preserving this housing is essential to maintaining stability for tens of thousands of formerly homeless individuals and protecting the ecosystem of nonprofit organizations that sustains it.
The intern will play a key role in developing a comprehensive white paper (20-40 pages) that will inform advocacy at the City, State, and Federal levels.
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Key Responsibilities
- Draft a major policy white paper on the preservation of supportive housing in New York State
- Synthesize existing research, policy briefs, and internal materials into a cohesive narrative
- Conduct targeted research on funding structures, operating challenges, policy risks and solutions
- Develop case studies highlighting at-risk housing programs
- Assist with the analysis of data related to the supportive housing portfolio, including trends and risks
- Support development of policy recommendations and advocacy framing
- Collaborate with Network staff on feedback, revisions, and strategy alignment
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Learning Opportunities
This internship offers hands-on experience in:
- Housing and homelessness policy at multiple levels of government
- Applied policy research and white paper development
- Advocacy strategy in a fast-moving policy environment
- Exposure to nonprofit leaders, policymakers, and sector stakeholders
- Optional participation in meetings, events, and advocacy activities in NYC
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Qualifications
- Current undergraduate or graduate student (or recent graduate) in public policy, urban planning, social work, political science, or related field
- Strong research, analytical, and writing skills; experience with policy writing or academic research papers preferred
- Basic data analysis skills (Excel, etc.)
- Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, compelling narratives
- Interest in housing policy, homelessness, or social justice
- Ability to work independently and manage a long-term project
- Familiarity with New York housing policy or nonprofit sector a plus
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Logistics
- The intern will report to the senior data analyst and will have the opportunity to interface with the policy team and executive director
- Flexible schedule (approximately 20 hours/week)
- Remote work option available; hybrid opportunities in NYC for those interested
- Start date flexible (late spring / early summer)

How to Apply
Please submit by clicking the "Reply by Email" button.
- Resume
- Brief cover letter describing your interest in housing policy and this project
- Writing sample (academic or policy-related preferred)
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Why This Matters
Supportive housing is widely recognized as one of the most effective solutions to homelessness, particularly for individuals with complex needs.
At a moment when existing housing is at risk, this project will directly contribute to shaping policy solutions that protect housing stability for tens of thousands of New Yorkers.