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Council Member Diana I. Ayala Opens General Welfare Committee Meeting on Fiscal 2025 Preliminary Budget

0:00:34

5 min

TESTIMONY

Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner, Department of Social Services on Budget Overviews and Program Enhancements for Fiscal Year 2025

0:05:57

28 min

QUESTION

What explains the reduced expenditure for asylum seeker response in NYC's budget?

0:35:22

119 sec

QUESTION

Will there be a reduction in funding the asylum seeker response and will there be shelter time limit changes?

0:37:22

78 sec

QUESTION

What plans does the administration have for transitioning shelters operated by Health + Hospitals (H+H) to the Department of Homeless Services (DHS)?

0:38:42

58 sec

QUESTION

How is the Department of Social Services addressing contracting and payment delays with nonprofit organizations?

0:39:41

6 min

QUESTION

How does the Department of Social Services (DSS) ensure contract reimbursement rates keep pace with service provision costs?

0:45:58

58 sec

QUESTION

What was the expanded eligibility threshold for the Fair Fares program and how is the budget allocated?

0:46:57

134 sec

QUESTION

When will Fair Fares transition to the OMNY system?

0:49:12

24 sec

QUESTION

What outreach efforts is the Human Resources Administration (HRA) making for the Fair Fares program?

0:49:36

50 sec

QUESTION

Will the NYC Department of Social Services expand its outreach for the Fair Fares program?

0:50:26

28 sec

QUESTION

Why has there been an increase in cash and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits applications?

0:51:26

88 sec

QUESTION

How many households are currently using rental assistance vouchers, and what housing options were chosen by those placed in permanent housing last year?

0:54:24

50 sec

QUESTION

How many households with shopping letters are still in shelters searching for housing?

0:55:15

17 sec

QUESTION

How long is the shopping letter valid?

0:55:32

11 sec

QUESTION

Can shopping letters be extended and how often are they renewed?

0:55:43

29 sec

QUESTION

How many staff members administer the rental assistance voucher program at HRA, and what are the vacancy rates?

0:56:12

56 sec

QUESTION

Why is CityFHEPS' budget frequently underfunded in preliminary stages?

0:57:08

92 sec

QUESTION

How have budget cuts impacted shelter service providers' operations and staff, and what flexibility is provided for managing these changes?

0:58:55

5 min

QUESTION

Are nonprofits using City funding for security guards at transitional housing, and how is staff and resident safety ensured?

1:04:10

79 sec

QUESTION

How is the backlog defined for cash assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and what strategies have been implemented to address it?

1:05:32

8 min

QUESTION

How are the new hires distributed between SNAP and cash assistance, and is hiring keeping pace with attrition?

1:13:36

116 sec

QUESTION

What specific steps has the Human Resources Administration (HRA) taken to improve the processing of cash and SNAP benefits?

1:15:37

125 sec

QUESTION

What are the current denial rates for SNAP and cash assistance, and how do they compare to pre-pandemic levels?

1:17:42

133 sec

QUESTION

How is the completion of application processes monitored and supported?

1:19:56

87 sec

QUESTION

What efforts are being made to address the issue of applicants struggling to get through on the phone?

1:21:27

104 sec

QUESTION

What upgrades have been made to the S Pass and Angie systems to address past glitches in application processing?

1:23:11

141 sec

QUESTION

Why was an additional $500,000,000 of city funding planned for fiscal years 2627 to support asylum seekers, and how were these amounts determined?

1:25:31

110 sec

QUESTION

Will the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) assume full responsibility for asylum seeker response efforts by fiscal year 26, and will funding transfer to other agencies?

1:27:23

47 sec

QUESTION

What changes does the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) anticipate in the executive plan based on state funding?

1:28:10

44 sec

QUESTION

Who manages the shelters for asylum response, and are they transitioning to non-profit organizations?

1:28:54

51 sec

QUESTION

Are for-profit organizations involved in operating or subcontracting for emergency shelters for asylum seekers?

1:29:46

51 sec

QUESTION

Will security funding for shelters be made a baseline this year?

1:30:38

20 sec

QUESTION

How many asylum seeker households and individuals are currently in the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelter system?

1:30:59

18 sec

QUESTION

How many emergency hotel sites does the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) use for housing asylum seekers?

1:31:19

36 sec

QUESTION

Have any emergency shelters been closed due to real estate issues since the asylum seeker influx?

1:32:03

40 sec

QUESTION

How is the Community Food Connection (CFC) program adapting to decreased funding in fiscal year 25 and beyond?

1:33:11

5 min

QUESTION

How will We Care program savings be generated?

1:38:45

94 sec

QUESTION

Will the funding cut impact the operational capabilities of the We Care program?

1:40:19

39 sec

QUESTION

Have the current We Care service providers been notified about the new funding cycle and Request for Proposals (RFP)?

1:40:58

20 sec

QUESTION

Does the funding cut from the Human Resources Administration's (HRA) budget represent the full cost of the current operations for We Care programs?

1:41:19

36 sec

QUESTION

Is the Department of Social Services advocating for the restoration of budget cuts in the executive budget?

1:41:55

26 sec

QUESTION

Are shopping letters automatically renewed for public assistance recipients working more than 10 hours a week, and how does policy affect this?

1:42:31

86 sec

QUESTION

Why are Bronx Works in the South Bronx and Urban Upbound in East Harlem identified for cuts in the Jobs Plus program?

1:43:58

116 sec

QUESTION

What is the 'employment broad based employment model' and its implications for local services?

1:45:55

3 min

QUESTION

How many emergency hotel shelters have been closed, and why?

1:49:46

59 sec

QUESTION

What are the per diem costs for different types of shelter housing, and will these costs change?

1:51:06

170 sec

QUESTION

What are the updates on Fair Fares enrolment, marketing effectiveness, coordination with MTA, and measures against EBT fraud?

1:54:01

8 min

QUESTION

How are IDNYC cards distributed to migrant shelter residents and what are the future plans?

2:02:44

3 min

QUESTION

What was the FY24 expenditure on emergency shelter medical services, and were partnerships with urgent care sites considered?

2:06:37

50 sec

QUESTION

What budget covers emergency housing, and how is it utilized?

2:07:28

50 sec

QUESTION

How will the city support organizations affected by the termination of the RISE program for HASA clients?

2:08:18

132 sec

QUESTION

What is the total budget for the NYC subway safety plan, and how effective has it been in addressing homelessness and safety?

2:10:30

5 min

QUESTION

Why is there only one IDNYC site in the Bronx, and are there plans to increase site availability?

2:16:44

4 min

QUESTION

Who is the current provider for the employment services contract, and how is the program impacted by budget allocations?

2:21:19

139 sec

QUESTION

Why is there a need for more nurses in outreach teams?

2:23:46

55 sec

QUESTION

How is the reduced placement in NYCHA housing being addressed?

2:25:03

3 min

QUESTION

Can the agency effectively manage with the decreased HRA headcount amidst growing poverty?

2:28:55

128 sec

QUESTION

What is the current vacancy rate at HRA, and what efforts are being made to address it?

2:31:02

35 sec

QUESTION

Can cash assistance and food stamps provision be maintained despite the growing backlog?

2:31:38

19 sec

QUESTION

How is New York City addressing concerns about benefits eligibility and the "cliff" problem?

2:32:30

91 sec

QUESTION

Is NYC considering direct cash transfers for those in poverty?

2:34:32

57 sec

QUESTION

How can the $3,500,000 budget cut be restored, or is the Department of Social Services open to the safe haven proposal?

2:35:49

35 sec

QUESTION

How many supportive housing units are vacant and what efforts are being made to fill them?

2:36:24

113 sec

QUESTION

Why does it take so long for EBT card skimming victims to regain access to their benefits?

2:38:29

105 sec

QUESTION

What actions are taken when landlords do not honor agreed upon rents approved by vouchers?

2:40:17

46 sec

QUESTION

What is the average client service rate at the Main Chance site, and what were the reasons for its closure?

2:41:18

155 sec

QUESTION

What is the operating cost of the St. Bridge's recycling facility in the East Village?

2:43:53

7 sec

QUESTION

What are the costs of reprocessing asylum seekers, and how is the city addressing the emergency housing situation?

2:44:00

136 sec

QUESTION

Who helps asylum seekers apply for work authorization from the federal government?

2:46:35

62 sec

QUESTION

What is the average processing time for childcare applications, and are there any delays? What technical issues affect the Integrated Data Center's appointment system?

2:48:10

52 sec

QUESTION

What actions are being taken to address appointment scheduling issues and technological advancements for IDNYC?

2:49:05

72 sec

QUESTION

What are the implications and possibilities of creating a direct IDNYC hotline?

2:50:17

70 sec

QUESTION

How is the Department of Social Services addressing identity theft prevention and improving security measures?

2:51:39

111 sec

QUESTION

How are savings generated in the NYC benefits program, and is there advocacy to restore these cuts in the executive plan?

2:53:38

94 sec

QUESTION

How many CBOs are part of the program, and is there a borough breakdown and confirmation of no programmatic impact?

2:55:12

57 sec

QUESTION

Why was there a delay and why was the contract term shortened for the NYC Benefits Program?

2:56:09

36 sec

QUESTION

Does the Human Resources Administration (HRA) still offer burial assistance to undocumented individuals, and what are the requirements?

2:57:39

3 min

QUESTION

Is citizenship a requirement for burial assistance eligibility according to the NYC Department of Social Services website?

3:01:59

4 min

TESTIMONY

Member of the Public on Ensuring Food and Shelter Access and Supporting Nonprofit Organizations in New York City

3:21:08

3 min

TESTIMONY

Jake Greenberg on Advocating for Fair Wages and Improved Conditions for Supportive Housing Service Workers

3:25:34

91 sec

TESTIMONY

Gladys Little, Eligibility Specialist at SNAP, on Systematic Challenges Impacting Client Assistance

3:27:09

175 sec

TESTIMONY

Tais Grant, Eligibility Specialist at SNAP, on Persistent Backlogs and the Inefficiencies of the Angie Case Processing System

3:30:25

3 min

TESTIMONY

Allison Robinson, Case Manager at Center for Urban Community Services, on Advocating for Increased Resources for Human Resources Administration (HRA) and Department of Social Services (DSS)

3:33:43

128 sec

TESTIMONY

Corinthia A. Carter, President of LSSA 2320, on Union Strike Actions and Demands for Better Working Conditions

3:35:56

124 sec

TESTIMONY

Valentina Vidal, Case Manager at Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC), on the Impact of Budget Cuts on the RISE Workforce Development Program

3:39:26

133 sec

TESTIMONY

Terry Troia, President, Project Hospitality on Advocacy for Homeless and New Immigrants Support Systems

3:41:53

3 min

TESTIMONY

Brady Crain, CEO of Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services, on the Challenging Future of Mainchain Drop-in Center

3:45:48

3 min

TESTIMONY

Kristen Miller, Executive Director of Homeless Services United, on Payment Delays and Systemic Reforms for Nonprofits

3:50:33

3 min

TESTIMONY

Judith Rosenfeld on Breaking Ground's Financial Struggles with Contracting and Payment Delays

3:53:56

132 sec

TESTIMONY

Doreen Thomann-Howe, Chief Operating Officer, Project Renewal on Improving Support for Homeless New Yorkers

3:56:21

3 min

TESTIMONY

Catherine Trapani, AVP of Public Policy at Volunteers of America, Greater New York, on Ending Homelessness and Advocating for Fair Worker Wages

4:01:38

146 sec

TESTIMONY

Arturo Brito, President and Chief Executive Officer, Children's Health Fund on Preliminary Budget Concerns and Services Provision

4:04:12

138 sec

TESTIMONY

Purnell Brice, Vice President for Policy and Advocacy, Children's Health Fund on the Healthy, Ready to Learn Program

4:06:32

103 sec

TESTIMONY

Alison Wilkey on Proposed Funding Impact on NYC Homeless Shelter System and Related Programs

4:08:18

3 min

TESTIMONY

Abby Biberman on Challenges and Litigation Related to Public Assistance Application Processing

4:13:27

153 sec

TESTIMONY

Raun Rasmussen, Executive Director of Legal Services NYC, on Funding and Impact of Civil Legal Services for Low-Income New Yorkers

4:16:07

150 sec

TESTIMONY

Adrian Holder, Chief Attorney of the Civil Practice at the Legal Aid Society, on Their Integrated Approach to Housing Justice

4:18:40

3 min

TESTIMONY

Kathy Kramer, CEO of Family Legal Care on Addressing Challenges in Family Court for Unrepresented Litigants

4:22:08

156 sec

TESTIMONY

McGregor Smyth, Executive Director, New York Lawyers for the Public Interest on Immigrant Health Initiatives and Legal Services

4:25:34

149 sec

TESTIMONY

Anna Arkin-Gallagher on Enhancing Civil Legal Services to Support Public Defense Clients

4:28:06

162 sec

TESTIMONY

Omarax Rosa, Director of Housing Justice at the Harlem Community Justice Center, on the Importance of Addressing Economic Justice and Housing Instability

4:30:51

3 min

TESTIMONY

Greg Silverman, CEO, West Side Campaign Against Hunger on Enhancing Emergency Food Services and Addressing New York City's Hunger Challenge

4:34:31

145 sec

TESTIMONY

Nicholas Buess on the Increased Demand and Decreased Supply for Food Assistance in NYC

4:36:58

76 sec

TESTIMONY

Jerome Nathaniel on Addressing Hunger and Potential Improvements to the Mayor's Preliminary Budget

4:38:17

144 sec

TESTIMONY

Kim Moscaritolo, Director of Communications and Advocacy, Hunger Free America on Addressing Hunger and Food Insecurity in NYC

4:40:45

147 sec

TESTIMONY

Paula Inhargue, Policy Analyst at United Neighborhood Houses, on Enhancing Access to Benefits Through Community-Based Organizations

4:43:17

166 sec

TESTIMONY

Cathy Vargas on the Importance of Funding for the New York City Benefits Program in Supporting Sunset Park's Low-Income Families

4:46:46

123 sec

TESTIMONY

Nafisa Rahman, Student at Hunter College, on Addressing Barriers and Supporting Low-Income Students via the Welfare Rights Initiative

4:48:59

108 sec

TESTIMONY

Michelle Berney, Director at the Community Service Society of New York, on Advocating for Continued Funding for the NYC Benefits Initiative

4:50:50

132 sec

TESTIMONY

Meredith Levine on Supporting Elderly New Yorkers through the NYC Benefits Program at JASA

4:53:04

159 sec

TESTIMONY

Towaki Komatsu on Issues with Public Meeting Attendance, Shelter Conditions, and Inaction by Officials

4:56:44

3 min

TESTIMONY

Gabriela Sandoval Regana on Addressing Domestic Violence and Housing Instability Through Policy and Advocacy Efforts

5:00:44

151 sec

TESTIMONY

Tara Joy, Union Staff Member at Mobilization for Justice, on the Strike for Fair Wages and its Impacts

5:03:44

129 sec

TESTIMONY

Gloria Kim on Addressing Workforce Investment and Fair Compensation Needs in Human Services

5:06:19

124 sec

TESTIMONY

Antonia House, CILEC Coordinator for TakeRoot Justice, on Recommendations for Revising the Immigrant Opportunities Initiative

5:08:37

126 sec

TESTIMONY

Teirra Labrada, Associate Director of Advocacy, Supportive Housing Network of New York on the shortcomings of NYC1515 in supportive housing development

5:10:55

137 sec

TESTIMONY

James Dill, Executive Director of Housing And Services Inc., on the Reallocation of NY 1515 Housing and Resource Units

5:13:19

120 sec

TESTIMONY

Lauren Schuster, Vice President of Government Affairs at Urban Resource Institute on Strategies to Address Domestic Violence and Homelessness

5:15:38

162 sec

TESTIMONY

Raquel Grant, Chief Development Officer at The Campaign Against Hunger, on Addressing Hunger and Funding Issues in City Programs

5:18:35

110 sec

TESTIMONY

Nathalie Pierre Louise on Enhancing Lives Through Goddard Riverside's Resource Center Programs

5:20:38

157 sec

TESTIMONY

Judy Siqhan, Deputy Executive Director at New York Common Pantry, on the Increase in Demand for Services and Funding Needs

5:23:25

125 sec

TESTIMONY

Rachel Bryant, Attorney at Met Council on the Community Food Connections Program and Emergency Food Accessibility

5:25:43

125 sec

TESTIMONY

Jesenia Ponce on Funding Legal Services for the Working Poor in New York City

5:28:14

113 sec

TESTIMONY

Elise Benusa, Government Relations Manager at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, on Requesting Support for Health Programs

5:30:16

140 sec

TESTIMONY

Peggy Herrera from Freedom Agenda on the Need for Community and Mental Health Investments Over Policing

5:32:43

124 sec

TESTIMONY

Jay Edidin, Director of Advocacy at the Women's Community Justice Association, on the Detrimental Impact of Mass Incarceration of Women and Gender Expansive People and the Necessity for Community-Based Alternatives

5:35:00

136 sec

TESTIMONY

Juan Diaz, Policy Associate at Citizens Community for Children on Recommendations to Combat Family Homelessness

5:37:53

117 sec

TESTIMONY

Jeanine Costley on Overcoming Nonprofit Challenges in Tackling Mental Health and Homelessness

5:40:02

141 sec