Committee on General Welfare

Deputy Speaker and Chair of the General Welfare Committee, Diana I. Ayala, initiates the fiscal 2025 preliminary budget hearing, focusing on vulnerable city populations.

• Ayala addresses the allocations for the Human Resource Administration and the Department of Homeland Services within the $109.4 billion city budget.
• Expresses concerns over how the budget might affect essential programs and vulnerable demographics, highlighting SNAP and cash system backlog issues.
• Cites the challenges faced by community-based organizations and the need for strategic resource allocation amid the asylum seekers' challenge.
• Sets forth the hearing's agenda, including discussions on budget revisions, staffing concerns, and the impact of vacancies on service provision.
• Emphasizes the council's commitment to scrutinizing city budgets and operations to safeguard public funds and aid the city's most vulnerable.

Molly Wasow Park testifies on the Department of Social Services' comprehensive budget and program strategies for Fiscal Year 2025.

• Park outlines the budget projections for the Department of Social Services, Human Resources Administration, and Department of Homeless Services.
• She discusses the mission to support low-income New Yorkers through improved access to social services, homelessness prevention, and economic stability.
• Strategies to modernize service delivery and streamline access for enhanced efficiency are highlighted.
• The testimony underscores staffing augmentations, handling the asylum seeker influx, and efforts to increase homelessness service efficacy.
• Park concludes with a commitment to advancing the welfare of New Yorkers in need by securing resources and fostering strategic initiatives.

The reduced expenditure for the asylum seeker response in NYC's budget is attributed to fewer asylum seekers than forecasted and operational cost savings.

• Fewer asylum seekers in the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) led to lower than anticipated expenses.
• The census of asylum seekers is slightly lower than forecasted, impacting budgetary needs.
• Savings also resulted from the DHS taking over some hotels from the HURK system at a lower cost.
• The specific dollar amount saved from implementing shelter time limit notices cannot be broken down.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is currently unable to provide concrete answers regarding funding cuts or expansions for asylum seeker response, as planning is ongoing.

• The mayor announced an additional 10% funding cuts (pegs) for asylum seeker response costs in the executive plan.
• The DSS is working in conjunction with the city's overall strategy on shelter time limits but has not decided on pursuing additional limits for asylum seeker families with children.
• Any potential changes to time limits are subject to city and state oversight.
• The DSS confirms that discussions and assessments on these matters are still in progress.

The administration has already transitioned one Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers (HERRC) operated by Health + Hospitals (H+H) to the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and is considering 1-2 more for potential transition.

• One HERRC has already been transitioned to DHS management.
• An additional 1-2 locations are currently under assessment for potential transition.
• The Wingate Hotel is the location that has already transitioned.
• Savings are anticipated due to the lower contractor costs associated with the not-for-profit model DHS typically uses for shelters.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is actively working to streamline contracting and payment processes for nonprofit organizations, addressing delays and financial burdens faced by these entities.

• DSS acknowledges the financial challenges nonprofits face due to delayed payments and cumbersome contracting processes.
• The department emphasizes its commitment to fiscal responsibility and the importance of checks and balances in the use of city resources.
• Efforts to simplify processes include training for staff and providers, as well as looking for ways to facilitate the documentation and invoice submission procedures.
• DSS is exploring systemic improvements and has supported agencies by providing additional advances when necessary.
• The definition of "delay" is nuanced, with DSS working to balance prompt payment with the need for accountability and complete documentation.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) employs various methods to ensure city contract reimbursement rates align with service provision costs, including staff employment and retention.

• DSS examines contracts individually and negotiates with providers on cost-related needs, particularly where increases are observed.
• Providers are given flexibility within the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) budgets to adjust staffing salary levels, aiding in the recruitment and retention of staff.
• There are ongoing discussions with the New York City Office of Management and Budget (OMB) about systemic changes needed to address broader issues.

The Fair Fares program's eligibility was expanded in November 2023, and $95 million is allocated for fiscal year 2024, mainly towards tax refunds to assist with transportation costs.

• Fair Fares program's eligibility was expanded from 100% to 120% of the federal poverty level.
• For fiscal year 2024, $95 million is allocated to the Fair Fares program.
• The program operates as a tax refunded system.
• In FY 2023, actual spending was $65 million, with $60 million towards client benefits and the rest towards marketing and program staff.
• The exact spending for fiscal year 2024 is not provided during the meeting.

A pilot for transitioning Fair Fares to the OMNY system starts this year.

• The Department of Social Services, in collaboration with the MTA, initiates a pilot with the OMNY system this year.
• The transition from metro cards to OMNY cards for Fair Fares will be complete before the MTA fully transitions away from metro cards.
• The anticipated start of the transition is confirmed to be within this year by Commissioner Molly Wasow Park.

HRA employs several outreach tactics for the Fair Fares program, including transit talks, online promotion, and paid advertisements.

• Transit talk events with the MTA promote the program.
• The promotion is deployed within MTA customer service centers and online through DSS applications and MTA platforms.
• Paid advertising is utilized in local and neighborhood newspapers, as well as on bus shelters and in the subway system.

The NYC Department of Social Services plans to enhance outreach for the Fair Fares program by targeting specific ZIP codes with high eligibility but low enrollment.

• First Deputy Commissioner Jill Berry affirms plans to expand outreach.
• The expansion focuses on ZIP codes where potential eligibility is high but enrollment is not.
• The department annually reevaluates and targets its outreach to these specific areas.

The increase in applications for cash and SNAP benefits is attributed to the cessation of pandemic-era federal anti-poverty programs and the improved accessibility of online application processes.

• The cessation of pandemic-era federal programs such as the enhanced child tax credit and rental assistance marks unequal recovery among communities.
• Accessibility improvements, such as online applications, have facilitated easier application processes, contributing to the increase.
• Programs like enhanced unemployment benefits that reduced poverty during the pandemic were also retracted, impacting application rates.
• These developments reveal the substantial role of government policies and technology in influencing public assistance applications.

About 38,000 households are currently receiving city Family Eviction Prevention Supplement (FEPs), with 1,000 unsheltered individuals placed in permanent housing last year choosing between supportive housing and city flats.

• Around 38,000 households receive rental assistance through city FEPs.
• Of the 1,000 individuals placed in permanent housing last year, about half went to supportive housing.
• Close to half of the 1,000 individuals used city flats.
• Supportive housing is highlighted as a surprising but valid option for unsheltered individuals.

Molly Wasow Park reports that over 10,000 households with shopping letters are still in shelters searching for housing.

• More than 10,000 households currently hold shopping letters.
• These households are still residing in shelters.
• They are in the process of searching for housing or awaiting housing approval.

Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, promises to clarify the validity period of the shopping letter before the end of the hearing.

• Initially, there is confusion about the shopping letter's validity period.
• Diana I. Ayala, Deputy Speaker and Chair of the General Welfare Committee, inquires about the length of validity, first suggesting 10 months.
• A correction is made, suggesting it's only valid for 3 months before an apology is offered.
• The definitive validity period of the shopping letter will be confirmed by the end of the hearing.

Shopping letters automatically renew if the household remains eligible, with specific conditions such as having a family of children or public assistance recipients working at least 15 hours a week.

• A shopping letter will automatically renew if the household continues to meet the eligibility criteria.
• Eligibility criteria include having a family with children or public assistance recipients working a minimum of 15 hours a week.
• Deputy Speaker Ayala requests specific data on the frequency of shopping letter renewals.

Commissioner Molly Wasow Park explains the complexity of staffing for the rental assistance voucher program, incorporating multiple departments and promising a detailed staff breakdown.

• The process involves DHS and HRA teams, along with various departments like IT and finance.
• Approximately 100 people at DHS work with shelter providers as part of the rental assistance process.
• There is a significant infrastructure supporting the rental assistance program.
• A detailed breakdown of staffing, including vacancies, will be provided later.

CityFHEPS' budget challenges stem from the dynamic nature of rental assistance, affected by caseloads, rent levels, and tenants' incomes.

• Rental assistance spending fluctuates due to variables like caseload, rent levels set by Fair Market Rent (FMR), and tenants' income.
• The dynamic and unpredictable nature of these factors makes long-term budget projections for rental assistance programs difficult.
• For the fiscal year 2024, a record addition of $744,000,000 is made to CityFHEPS' budget.
• Annual budgeting processes with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) aim to address funding needs accurately.

Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, details the imposed budget cuts, noting no layoffs but consolidations of vacant positions, with a focus on maintaining high-quality service and addressing salary issues through flexibility in fund allocation.

• Budget cuts have resulted in consolidations of some vacant positions across shelters, with no direct layoffs reported.
• Providers have been granted flexibility in managing their funds, including reallocating a portion towards improving staff salaries.
• Despite budget constraints, there has been a significant increase in clients connected to permanent housing, indicating maintained service quality.
• Deputy Speaker Diana I. Ayala emphasizes the challenges posed by delayed contract payments and advocates for prioritizing existing services over introducing new ones amidst financial difficulties.
• The department continues to work with individual providers to implement changes and address concerns efficiently.

Molly Wasow Park confirms that all shelter contracts include 24/7 security, often funded by City money, to ensure the safety of staff and residents.

• All shelter contracts mandate 24/7 on-site security, which can be provided in various ways, including subcontracting or direct hiring by the nonprofits.
• The City offers extensive training to nonprofits for security guards, ensuring compliance with laws.
• Security guards may receive training directly from the organization or through subcontracted services, focusing on maintaining a secure environment.
• The City also supports funding for the prevailing wage requirements for security personnel, emphasizing financial support on an annual basis.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) defines a backlog as any new application or annual recertification not processed within 30 days for both cash assistance and SNAP, and they use a three-pronged strategy to address the backlog.

• A backlog includes unprocessed applications or recertifications within 30 days for both cash aid and SNAP.
• DSS's approach to clearing the backlog involves hiring staff, investing in technology, and enhancing processes including securing waivers from the state.
• Initial timeliness rates for fiscal year 2024 show significant delays, but improvements are noted by January with a cash assistance timeliness rate of 55.4% and SNAP at 62.9%.
• The agency prioritizes staff on cases necessitating action and utilizes waivers to streamline processes, including a waiver for cash case recertification, significantly reducing the manual review workload.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) hires 1,000 new frontline staff for SNAP and cash assistance, exceeding attrition and reducing mandatory overtime.

• DSS hires a total of 1,000 new frontline staff for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and cash assistance, an update from the previously mentioned 700.
• The total workforce consists of approximately 1,900 people for cash assistance and 1,200 for SNAP.
• The net growth from the hiring is 535, indicating hiring is outpacing attrition in these areas.
• Mandatory overtime reliance is significantly reduced, with most overtime now being voluntary.
• The processing timeline for new SNAP applications and recertifications is improved, with virtually all applications processed within a 30-day window.

The Human Resources Administration (HRA) improves cash and SNAP benefits processing by implementing technological advancements and client-friendly procedures.

• The introduction of an on-demand interview process that enhances resilience and is continuously iterated upon.
• Transition from in-person interviews to phone-based interviews, moving from an outbound to an inbound calling system to accommodate clients' schedules better.
• Implementation of a callback feature, allowing clients to maintain their queue position without waiting on the line.
• Introduction of verification procedures to streamline calls specifically for interviews, rerouting other inquiries to improve efficiency and client experience.

The denial rate for SNAP assistance is 52.8% and for cash assistance, it's 64%, with the cash assistance rate seeing a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels.

• SNAP's denial rate is marginally higher than pre-COVID rates, while cash assistance's denial rate is approximately 33% higher.
• The increase in denial rates is attributed to more people applying earlier in the process but not completing their applications, primarily due to not completing their interviews.
• SNAP’s relatively stable denial rate compared to pre-COVID times is likely because the online application system was already in place before the pandemic.
• The Department of Social Services (DSS) enforces state and federal regulations for these federal benefits, and the increase in denial rates is not due to changes in DSS policies.

Commissioner Molly Wasow Park explains methods to monitor and support the application completion process, emphasizing measures to address complexities and wait times.

• Wait times for cash assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) applications are monitored, with a callback function available for SNAP.
• More than 10,000 interviews are conducted weekly, indicating a significant number of applicants can complete the process.
• Denial rates are reviewed by the office of accountability to ensure no systemic issues are impacting applications.
• Investments are made in Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) to offer hands-on support for clients requiring assistance with applications.

The Department of Social Services is actively monitoring wait times and reallocating staff to maintain manageable phone wait lines, with an average wait time of one to one and a half hours.

• Wait times are closely monitored, and staff are reallocated from processing to answering calls if wait times increase.
• The average wait time on the phone has been reduced to one to one and a half hours, shorter than in-person wait times.
• A callback function is available to manage wait times effectively.
• Sharing specific cases with the department can help in identifying and resolving issues.
• Daily staff reallocations and monitoring for trends are carried out to ensure wait times remain within target thresholds.

The S Pass and Angie systems, used for SNAP-only applications, have been upgraded to version 2.0 to address glitches and improve staff experience.

• Angie has been upgraded to version 2.0 after initial deployment in March 2022, aiming to resolve issues experienced by staff.
• The NYC Department of Social Services listens to staff concerns about the systems and makes iterative improvements based on feedback.
• A collaborative effort with the mayor's office of efficiency led to workgroups with frontline staff, identifying pain points in the systems and processes.
• A list of corrective actions has been compiled and is being implemented to enhance both the systems and the application processing experience.

The determination for the additional $500,000,000 of city funding for fiscal years 2627 revolves around the uncertainties in asylum space and the anticipation of city costs.

• The asylum seeker trends are highly variable, requiring continuous adaptation and iteration of the budget.
• There is a significant level of projection involved due to the changing pace of asylum seeker arrivals and their needs.
• State funds were anticipated as part of the budget in light of expected state reimbursements.
• The addition of city funding anticipates continuing city costs through the period covered.

The asylum seeker operation is recognized as a government-wide effort, not confined to the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) alone, and this collaborative approach is anticipated to continue with appropriate adjustments to funding.

• The initial period of the asylum seeker crisis saw DHS taking the lead.
• The challenge of addressing the needs of asylum seekers falls beyond just one agency, emphasizing a whole-of-government approach.
• Commissioner Molly Wasow Park expects the collaborative nature of the response to persist.
• Funding alignment will be adjusted as necessary to reflect this joint effort.

Molly Wasow Park indicates it's too early to predict changes in the Department of Homeless Services' executive plan due to uncertainties with the state budget and other variables.

• The DHS needs to work with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to assess the state budget's impact.
• The assessment will consider the pace of claims and federal government actions.
• It's too early to provide a clear answer due to numerous evolving factors.
• The DHS will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Virtually all shelters for asylum response are or will be managed by non-profit organizations, but due to rapid growth, the National Guard currently staffs around 50 sites.

• Non-profit organizations operate or are set to operate virtually all shelters for asylum response.
• The growth has outpaced the non-profit sector's ability to staff these shelters.
• The National Guard is temporarily staffing approximately 50 asylum sites.
• The goal is to eventually transition all sites to being operated by non-profit providers.

Commissioner Molly Wasow Park acknowledges the involvement of one or two for-profit organizations in operating emergency shelters for asylum seekers, and the allowance for subcontracting for-profit services.

• One or two emergency shelters for asylum seekers are operated by for-profit entities.
• All operations involving for-profit entities are competitively procured through a Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
• Commissioner Park confirms the standard practice of subcontracting with for-profit vendors for services such as food, security, and maintenance within shelter models.
• Specifics on the portion of Department of Homeless Services (DHS) budgeted asylum seeker funding related to for-profit contracts were not available at the meeting.

Discussions are ongoing regarding whether security funding for shelters will be baselined this year, as per the Department of Social Services.

• Deputy Speaker Diana I. Ayala raises questions about the baselining of security funding for shelters.
• Commissioner Molly Wasow Park indicates that conversations about this matter are continuing.
• Ayala emphasizes that the security funding mandate is established by local law and is not subject to discontinuation.

There are just over 30,000 individuals in the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelter system, most of whom are families with children.

• The inquiry about asylum seekers in the DHS shelter system is made by Diana I. Ayala.
• Molly Wasow Park reports over 30,000 individuals in the system.
• A majority of these individuals are families with children.
• The discussion briefly touches on the possibility of using emergency hotels.

Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, states there are 163 Department of Homeless Services (DHS) asylum sites, with most being hotels.

• There are 163 sites in total designated for housing asylum seekers.
• The majority of these sites are hotels, with a few exceptions.
• The precise number of hotel sites could be provided later or upon follow-up.

The Department of Social Services has closed some emergency shelters due to real estate issues, but the overall footprint for asylum has not been reduced.

• Some shelters were closed as site owners withdrew or failed to meet obligations regarding quality or rates.
• These closures were primarily due to real estate issues.
• Despite the closures, the department maintains a steady state census for asylum seekers over the last two years.
• There has been no reduction in the overall footprint for asylum.

The officials address the projected funding reduction for the Community Food Connection (CFC) program, detailing strategies to continue operations and reallocate resources.

• The Department of Social Services is working with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to secure appropriate funding levels.
• Food pantries and community kitchens receive annual allocations, with no direct waitlist for funds managed by the Department.
• Monthly allocation reports help food pantries monitor spending, with potential reallocation of funds from underspending pantries to those in need.
• Increased demand in certain districts, particularly with an influx of asylum seekers, highlights the challenge of sustenance with reduced funding.

Savings for the We Care program will be generated through operational efficiencies and technology utilization, starting FY 26.

• Savings align with a new contract cycle focusing on operational efficiencies through technology, mirroring the current job market.
• Utilization of hybrid delivery models to save on space without compromising program priorities, such as employment connection and vocational training.
• The program aims to support those with barriers to employment through vocational education, wellness supports, and connection to federal benefits like SSI.
• Operational savings will not impact the programmatic priorities and leverage post-COVID technologies and partnerships.

Scott French confirms the funding cut will not impact the We Care program's operational capabilities.

• Scott French, Administrator of the Human Resources Administration, affirms the funding cut does not affect program operations.
• Potential savings may come from adopting a hybrid model and utilizing less physical space.
• Partnerships for space utilization are considered as part of the cost-saving strategy.
• The program aims to maintain the same level of programmatic offerings for clients.

Scott French confirms that We Care service providers, whose contracts last until June 30th, 2025, have been informed about the upcoming funding cycle and a forthcoming RFP.

• The services are currently provided by existing We Care providers.
• These providers' contracts will continue through June 30th, 2025.
• The contractors are aware of a new funding cycle and an upcoming RFP.

The funding cut from the Human Resources Administration's (HRA) budget does not represent the full cost of the current operations for We Care programs.

• The We Care program's budget is approximately $58,000,000 a year.
• The reduction mentioned is a relatively small portion of the total budget.
• Reductions apply only once new contracts are in effect, ensuring no current contractors lose funding.
• The funding for We Care programs is a mix within the HRA's budget.

Commissioner Molly Wasow Park of the Department of Social Services does not provide a direct answer on advocating for restoration of budget cuts, emphasizing the department's limited discretionary spending.

• The question focuses on whether the Department of Social Services is advocating for the restoration of specific budget cuts.
• Commissioner Park discusses the narrow window of discretionary spending within the department's budget.
• She mentions the department had to make difficult decisions due to limited budget options.
• A direct answer about advocacy for restoration of cuts is not provided.

Automatic renewal of shopping letters for public assistance recipients depends on meeting base eligibility criteria or unchanged circumstances, with clarification provided by Commissioner Park.

• Automatic renewal occurs for individuals who meet the base eligibility criteria of working more than 10 hours a week on public assistance.
• Those under exception categories or with changed circumstances require agency action for renewal.
• A 2021 policy indicates shopping letters are not automatically renewed, prompting questions about subsequent policies.
• Commissioner Park clarifies that qualifying clients do not need to take action for renewal if they meet eligibility criteria.
• The term 'automatic' may be interpreted differently, but thorough eligibility assessment ensures appropriate renewal.

Bronx Works in the South Bronx and Urban Upbound in East Harlem are the only Jobs Plus programs funded by HRA identified for cuts due to limited discretionary tax levy.

• Diana Ayala raises concerns about the impact of cuts on communities with high poverty and gun violence rates.
• Ayala emphasizes the comprehensive supports provided by these programs, including employment assistance, housing, and transportation.
• Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, confirms these are the only two cuts and explains the pivot to borough-based employment models.
• The strategy aims to maintain employment services within financial constraints, including offering metro cards to participants.

The 'employment broad based employment model' covers a broader geographic area than the Jobs Plus program, intended for more efficient service delivery, but concerns arise over the accessibility of services in local communities.

• The model aims to provide employment services over a wider geographic area, differing from the more localized Jobs Plus program.
• Commissioner Molly Wasow Park states the necessity of this model given the budget constraints, with 90% spent on entitlements.
• Deputy Speaker Diana I. Ayala voices concerns about the negative impact on East Harlem and the South Bronx, stressing the importance of accessible services in these communities.
• Ayala opposes budget cuts removing essential resources and advocates for keeping services local to meet high community demands.
• The loss of Jobs Plus programs and a promised workforce development site in East Harlem highlights challenges in meeting community needs through the new model.

A handful of emergency hotel shelters have been closed due to issues such as owners terminating cooperation or physical violations.

• Commissioner Park states approximately half a dozen hotels have been closed.
• Closures are attributed to owners withdrawing cooperation or the discovery of physical violations at sites.
• Despite these closures, there's no reduction in the overall support network for asylum seekers.
• The Department of Social Services maintains a total of 162 asylum sites, most of which are hotels.

The Department of Social Services provides a breakdown of per diem costs for shelter housing, highlighting the cost management efforts and the shift from hotels to long-term shelters.

• For single adults, the per diem cost is $145.13, for adult families without minors, it's $243.51, and for families with children, it's $232.40.
• The overall per diem for asylum seekers citywide is $388, which includes both the DHS system and the hurricane response.
• Efforts are underway to manage down the per diem costs for asylum seekers by focusing on long-term shelter solutions.
• Commercial hotels are an expensive shelter option, and there's an ongoing effort to move away from them and open high-quality, cost-efficient, long-term shelters.
• Progress has been made in moving families with children out of hotels, but challenges persist due to the asylum crisis.

Officials from the Department of Social Services (DSS) provide updates on Fair Fares enrolment, marketing strategies, MTA coordination, and efforts to combat EBT fraud.

• Over 317,300 New Yorkers have enrolled in Fair Fares as of the month's beginning, with marketing efforts aiming to increase this number.
• DSS has approved $21.6 million in replacement benefits for victims of EBT skimming, mainly for SNAP benefits, and is working on long-term solutions like chipped cards.
• Targeted outreach for Fair Fares involves reassessing ZIP codes for under-enrollment, using various languages, and partnering with MTA for enrollment events.
• A pilot transition to the Omni system for Fair Fares users is underway to ensure a smooth transition from MetroCard usage.

The council member inquires about IDNYC card distribution to migrant shelter residents and related procedures, receiving information on distribution rates and future appointment systems.

• Over 2 million IDNYC cards have been issued, with a yearly increase since the program's launch.
• In Fiscal Year 24, a total of 92,000 new IDNYC cards were distributed, marking an increase from the previous fiscal year.
• Distribution efforts include promoting IDNYC across various channels and specifying misinformation regarding its benefits for asylum application.
• An appointment system was implemented to manage demand and misinformation, releasing over 68,100 appointments weekly.

The Department of Social Services is yet to provide a total spending figure for FY24 emergency shelter medical services, emphasizing the significance of partnerships and utilization of mobile health units.

• Some emergency shelters have on-site medical services, while others rely on partnerships with community sites.
• The total FY24 expenditure on emergency shelter medical services requires reviewing individual contracts, indicating a complex accounting process.
• Partnerships with urgent care sites and community medical providers are considered vital for subsidizing costs.
• The department plans to make better use of Health and Hospital Corporation's mobile health units at drop-in centers.

The budget for emergency housing covers real estate, staff, food, social services, and maintenance and is categorized by families with children, single adults, and adult families.

• The majority of shelters are contracted, with the budget covering all necessary aspects of operation.
• The contract budget is inclusive, covering real estate, staffing, food, social services, and maintenance.
• Budgets are categorized by types of occupants: families with children, single adults, and adult families.
• Individual contracts have line item budgets, detailing specific expenditures.

The city plans to redirect HASA clients to alternative employment support services due to budget constraints and the termination of the RISE program.

• The preliminary plan allocates an additional $46.5 million in FY 2024 for HIV and AIDS service administration, including emergency shelter units.
• Savings are expected from not renewing the vocational services provider for HASA clients, impacting providers historically involved in the work.
• Most HASA clients are eligible for other employment services programs offered by the city.
• The city intends to connect affected clients to local career services or other suitable programs prior to the RISE program's end.

The NYC subway safety plan, involving multiple agencies, focuses on addressing homelessness and safety, with varying degrees of success highlighted by officials.

• Commissioner Molly Wasow Park acknowledges the complex challenge of homelessness and describes a comprehensive approach involving DHS, DLHMH, HNH, MTA, NYPD among others.
• More than 39,400 engagements reported, with almost 7,000 unique individuals placed into shelters or safe havens, and 397 permanently housed.
• Challenges include the iterative nature of the work and a dynamic population, with each individual requiring dozens to hundreds of engagements.
• The plan's total budget is difficult to pin down, with Park citing an additional $170 million for DHS as part of the initiative, on top of existing funds across involved agencies.
• The potential impact of the governor's security measures on the outreach work remains uncertain, with a need for further evaluation.

The Human Resources Administration acknowledges the need for more IDNYC sites in the Bronx due to space challenges at previous locations and is considering expansion and new opportunities.

• The Bronx currently has only one IDNYC site due to previous space challenges.
• Efforts are being made to expand the current site's capacity and to explore potential opportunities for additional sites.
• The administration is open to collaborating with council members and organizing pop-up sites to meet demand.
• Council member Diana I. Ayala expresses disappointment over communication lapses and the need for greater accessibility city-wide, especially for asylum seekers.
• Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, acknowledges the communication issue and commits to better collaboration and exploring new site opportunities in the Bronx.

The Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is currently contracted to provide service to HASA clients under the employment services contract, facing a budget reduction as part of a Program to Eliminate the Gap (PEG).

• GMHC serves HASA clients under the employment services contract valued at approximately $280,000.
• Tough budget decisions, based on the necessity to allocate 90% of the budget to entitlements, have impacted the contract.
• HRA plans to take the services in-house, working closely with GMHC to ensure a smooth transition for HASA clients.
• Despite the shift, HRA aims to maintain the trust and successful outcomes achieved by GMHC through detailed client communication and leveraging existing relationships.

The Department of Homeless Services acknowledges a need for more nurses in outreach teams to foster better hospital treatment and longer stays for individuals brought in by police.

• The Department is increasing the number of nurses in outreach teams.
• An RFP (Request for Proposal) is being issued to hire more nurses.
• The presence of nurses is believed to create a different, more effective connection at hospitals.
• The initiative aims to enhance the treatment and hospital stay duration of individuals brought by police.

Council Member Lincoln Restler questions the efforts to reverse the declining trend of homeless placements in NYCHA housing, highlighting the concerning reduction in numbers. Molly Wasow Park responds by emphasizing increased efforts toward permanent housing placements.

• Lincoln Restler points out a 30% reduction year-over-year in placements to NYCHA and Section 8 housing.
• Expresses concerns about a two-thirds reduction in homeless placements in NYCHA under the current administration.
• Molly Wasow Park cites a 17% increase in overall housing placements last year, aiming to exceed that this year.
• Park explains the necessity of stabilizing NYCHA housing stock, which involves complex rehabilitations and avoiding speaking for NYCHA directly.
• Restler urges for more advocacy and action from the Department of Social Services to address the issue.

Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, acknowledges the decrease in HRA headcount but emphasizes the ongoing FY25 budget negotiations and the shift towards online applications for cash and SNAP benefits.

• Despite a reported 14% decrease in HRA headcount since the mayor's office, negotiations for the FY25 budget are still ongoing.
• Over 90% of cash and SNAP applications are now received online, changing the dynamics of required staff.
• The Department of Social Services focuses on filling vacancies and adjusting to new technological processes.
• The decrease in headcount is offset by improvements and efficiencies in online application processes.

The Department of Social Services reports a 9% vacancy rate at HRA, with focused efforts on filling positions and improving processes.

• HRA currently faces a 9% vacancy rate, equivalent to about 1100 positions.
• This rate is approximately half of what it was a year ago, indicating significant progress.
• The department is committed to further reducing vacancies through ongoing recruitment and process enhancements.
• Despite the vacancies, the department has successfully addressed cache and SNAP backlogs, showcasing effective resource management.

Commissioner Molly Wasow Park is optimistic about maintaining the provision of cash assistance and food stamps despite a growing backlog.

• Commissioner Park expresses confidence in current improvements.
• Monitoring of application trends is ongoing.
• Adjustments will be made as needed to manage the service provision.
• The commitment to maintaining key social services is emphasized.

New York State has implemented an earned income disregard to mitigate the "cliff" problem, but challenges persist according to Council Member Gale A. Brewer and Commissioner Molly Wasow Park.

• New York State passed legislation allowing cash assistance benefits during subsidized training and employment, plus a one-time six-month disregard for unsubsidized employment.
• Council Member Brewer raises concerns about NYC residents fearing benefit loss and misunderstanding about rent conditions.
• A discussion is agreed upon to address the ongoing challenges, signalling that the problem is not fully solved.
• The federal government is looking to provide additional support.

The Department of Social Services discusses ongoing pilot programs for direct cash transfers to alleviate poverty.

• There are pilot initiatives exploring the feasibility of direct cash transfers.
• Some programs have shown promising results, while others are too early to assess.
• Commissioner Park is open to considering direct cash transfers but highlights the complexity of federal benefits interaction.
• Concerns include avoiding 'cliff effects' and not substituting federal funding with city resources, which could pose challenges.

The Department of Social Services is open to considering the safe haven proposal, subject to a competitive RFP process, while currently focusing on a continuum of care model integrating drop-in centers with beds.

• Commissioner Wasow Park expresses willingness to evaluate the safe haven proposal.
• The proposal must undergo a competitive RFP process.
• The department's current emphasis is on combining drop-in centers with beds for a continuum of care model.
• This approach is believed to better serve clients.

There are approximately 1,900 vacant supportive housing units, with an ongoing effort to fill them.

• About 1,900 supportive housing units are currently reported as vacant through the CAP system, yet this figure is changeable.
• Many of these vacancies are in the process of being allocated, or involve units that are newly becoming available.
• A significant portion of the vacant units are SROs (Single Room Occupancies), which are typically more challenging to lease.
• To make SRO units more appealing, the city has introduced a fixed $50 rent initiative in place of the standard 30% of income, specifically for SRO tenants under the City Feeps program.
• The limitations of rental subsidies for SRO units being outside the city's control are acknowledged, with ongoing investigations into further improvement measures.

The delay in regaining access to EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card benefits after skimming is addressed, with improvements noted following a change in state law.

• Until a recent change in state law, the Department of Social Services could not legally replace stolen benefits, only cards.
• Following the legislation change, the department has been able to replace stolen benefits and claims to process these claims quickly.
• Typically, benefits are reloaded onto cards within 3 days of determination, and applications rarely exceed ten days in processing time.
• There is an initiative to introduce chip technology in EBT cards as a long-term solution to prevent skimming.

Commissioner Molly Wasow Park states side agreements by landlords are a violation and asks for specific cases for review.

• Landlord violations regarding rent amounts are against regulations.
• Commissioner Park requests cases involving such violations for further review.
• Council Member Chris Banks raises concerns about tenants being taken to court due to these violations.

Council Member Carlina Rivera questions the decision-making process around closing the Main Chance drop-in center, including the average number of clients served, the rationale behind the closure, the metrics used, and the future provision for these clients.

• The Department of Social Services aims to integrate drop-in centers with stabilization beds for a comprehensive care system.
• The closure decision is part of a realignment towards providing a more collaborative setup for the unsheltered, ensuring a pathway from seats at drop-in centers to beds and eventually to permanency.
• Joslyn Carter highlights efforts to communicate alternative drop-in center locations to Main Chance clients.
• The remaining Manhattan locations at West 14th and West 30th streets are being promoted as replacements.
• Rivera urges collaboration with Main Chance to keep it operational and acknowledges the contributions of the archdiocese in supporting the homeless.

The Commissioner of the Department of Social Services does not know the operating cost of the St. Bridge's recycling facility in the East Village.

• Council Member Carlina Rivera inquires about the operating cost of the St. Bridge's recycling facility.
• Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, responds with a 'No.'
• The Commissioner apologizes for not knowing the information.

Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, discusses the city's challenges in managing the asylum seeker situation but is unable to provide specific costs related to reprocessing.

• The city struggles to meet the needs of asylum seekers due to emergency situations and the 30-day time limit policy.
• Despite the ongoing arrival of people, the focus remains on moving individuals through to make space for new arrivals.
• Park acknowledges the importance of finding permanent housing for these individuals but cannot provide specific budget details.
• Council Member Rivera expresses disappointment over not receiving cost analyses and stresses the need for efficiency in processes such as wait lists and mobile outreach.

The city has established clinics to assist asylum seekers in applying for work authorization from the federal government.

• The applications for work authorization are submitted either standalone or alongside the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) application.
• These clinics operate out of the mayor's office for asylum seeker operations.
• Tens of thousands of applications have been assisted through this initiative.
• Work authorization documents are sent directly to individuals, making it difficult for the city to track the number of recipients.
• Anecdotally, the success rate of these applications is very high.

The Department of Social Services (DSS) clarifies that it is not responsible for the direct processing of childcare applications and discusses technological issues affecting the Integrated Data Center's (IDC) appointment system.

• The DSS indicates its role in the childcare assistance scheme for individuals on public assistance but does not manage the processing of applications.
• Questions about the average processing time for childcare applications are redirected as DSS is not responsible for this task.
• There are technological issues affecting the IDC's website, including timeout errors and problems populating appointments.
• The discussion hints at a potential need for increased investment in administrative technology to address these issues.

Scott French from the Human Resources Administration commits to enhancing technology following concerns over appointment scheduling issues for IDNYC.

• Council Member Althea Stevens brings up reports of difficulties in scheduling appointments through the IDNYC system.
• Stevens highlights the need for technological advancements to address these scheduling issues and improve the system.
• Scott French acknowledges the importance of enhancing technology and promises to discuss specific challenges to possibly identify solutions.
• The conversation indicates a responsiveness to feedback and a commitment to improving IDNYC’s appointment scheduling system through technological updates.

Council Member Althea Stevens queries about potential hurdles and the staffing scenario for setting up a dedicated IDNYC hotline, besides the existing 311 service.

• The proposal suggests an increase in IDNYC hotline use but concerns about cost implications and staffing needs.
• Commissioner Molly Wasow Park acknowledges the concept isn't previously explored but is open to dialogue.
• Park emphasizes leveraging the existing 311 system due to its centralization, avoiding separate numbers for different services.
• Stevens supports utilizing 311 for data collection and proposes examining how to enhance its functionality as a resource.

The Department of Social Services is implementing fraud detection mechanisms, enhancing privacy guidelines, and planning improvements with external offices to prevent identity theft and improve security measures.

• Commissioner Park is deeply concerned about the situation and stresses the ongoing commitment to client privacy.
• Fraud detection methods and privacy guidelines are being enhanced, including collaboration with the Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI).
• Plans to work with the Department of Investigation and the district attorney’s office to enhance processes and security are underway.
• Council Member Stevens emphasizes the importance of trust in the system and seeks innovative solutions for better information security.

The Department of Social Services outlines a cost-saving strategy by removing a third-party intermediary, thereby reducing administrative costs, and confirms DSS staff will administer contracts directly.

• Savings are generated by transitioning contract administration from a third-party intermediary to direct management by Department of Social Services (DSS) staff.
• This transition eliminates a layer of administrative costs, leading to savings.
• The Department of Social Services commits to continuing the funding for Community Based Organizations (CBOs) for outreach efforts.
• DSS will directly administer the contracts but will maintain collaboration with not-for-profits, ensuring their continued involvement in program operations.

The program includes approximately 36 CBOs plus additional ones for technical assistance, with ongoing negotiations ensuring proper funding levels.

• Approximately 36 CBOs participate in the program, with more providing technical assistance.
• The Commissioner does not have the borough breakdown readily available but promises to follow up.
• No programmatic impact from the PEG on the CBOs, despite yearly changes in baseline funding.
• Negotiations with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) are in progress to secure appropriate Citywide Development Loan (CDL) funding levels.

The delay and shortened contract term for the NYC Benefits Program were due to a realignment to the fiscal year and additional OMB review for OTPS contracts.

• The delay was attributed to a realignment to the fiscal year.
• The contract term was shortened because of additional levels of Office of Management and Budget (OMB) review for Other Than Personal Services (OTPS) contracts.
• The Department of Social Services is now proceeding full steam ahead.

Human Resources Administration (HRA) officials state burial assistance is available for undocumented individuals on a case-by-case basis, not as a baseline policy.

• Assistance was a pandemic-era addition, not included in the baseline public assistance programs.
• Individuals must meet specific income and citizenship requirements to qualify.
• Funding for exceptions during the pandemic came from a one-time funding source.
• Diana I. Ayala shares a specific case from her district, highlighting discrepancies in eligibility and funding availability for funeral expenses.

The chapter clarifies that citizenship is not a direct requirement for burial assistance eligibility; however, proof of low-income status through benefits or public assistance is pivotal.

• Citizenship is not explicitly stated as a requirement for burial assistance on the NYC Department of Social Services website.
• Eligibility relies on the receipt of social services benefits or the eligibility for such benefits, indicating low-income status.
• There are various immigration statuses like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or asylum seekers who may qualify for benefits despite non-citizenship.
• Deputy Speaker Diana I. Ayala expresses concerns about the clarity of the eligibility criteria and the need for more inclusive communication towards migrants and low-income individuals.
• Ayala advocates for a reevaluation of the policy to ensure fairness and support for all residents, questioning discrepancies in service provision based on citizenship status.

A public testimony emphasized the need for increased support in food access, shelter, and the role of nonprofit organizations in New York City.

• The speaker shares their experience with the high demand for food assistance, highlighting the challenge of providing fresh produce due to financial constraints.
• They advocate for additional funding for small food pantries, similar to aid provided during the pandemic, and underline the importance of rental assistance programs to prevent homelessness.
• The testimony calls attention to nonprofit organizations' critical role in delivering essential services and supports a bill requiring fair compensation for these services.
• Emphasizes the importance of food, shelter, and backing the organizations that provide these necessities to New Yorkers.
• The speaker shares a personal connection to the issues, illustrating their direct experience with community needs.

Jake Greenberg discusses the impacts of low wages on service providers in supportive housing and the resulting effects on homelessness in New York City.

• Greenberg, a case manager at the Center for Urban Community Services, provides services to people in supportive housing, including essential connections to various social services.
• He emphasizes the high turnover among workers due to low wages, which detrimentally affects the quality of service and client relationships.
• The testimony highlights the critical role of these workers in the fight against homelessness and the need for fair compensation to ensure effective service delivery.
• Greenberg calls for an increase to the Department of Social Services budget to support higher wages and maintain essential homelessness services.

Gladys Little details the systemic challenges within SNAP due to glitches in the Angie system, affecting timely client assistance.

• Gladys Little, an eligibility specialist at SNAP, testifies about the ongoing challenges caused by the Angie system's persistent glitches.
• Little discusses the impact of mandatory overtime, starting at 7 AM daily, and the procedure for reporting Angie system issues, which leads to a backlog of IT tickets.
• Clients suffer from delayed benefits, case closures, and the burden of reapplication, exacerbated by unresolved IT tickets.
• Despite attempts to address these issues, including coworkers forwarding IT tickets to supervisors, there has been no significant resolution to eliminate errors in the Angie system.
• Little remains hopeful for improvements that will ensure accurate and timely benefit delivery to vulnerable New Yorkers, noting a backlog of 21,000 cases as of March 8th.

Tais Grant, an Eligibility Specialist at SNAP with 11 years of experience, raises concerns about the ongoing backlogs and the malfunctioning Angie system during her testimony.

• Grant highlights the SNAP program's backlog issue, which has over 18,000 cases, considerably higher than the city's reported figure of 411.
• She criticizes the Angie case processing system, intended to decrease workload but actually increases it and adds to the backlog.
• Grant points out that the Angie system's flaws include unintended errors and a decrease in case processing efficiency, resulting in slow benefit delivery to clients.
• Despite the city claiming to have hired new staff, Grant questions the high demand for overtime and the failure to address system glitches.

Allison Robinson highlights the necessity of augmenting resources for Human Resources Administration (HRA) and Department of Social Services (DSS) to support the community’s most vulnerable.

• Robinson underscores the importance of supportive housing in addressing homelessness, mental illness, addiction, and poverty.
• She urges for increased funding for HRA and DSS as a means of investing in human potential and societal improvement.
• Enhanced resources would allow for broader access to supportive housing, improved mental health and substance abuse treatments, and job training.
• Robinson emphasizes that lifting the marginalized benefits society as a whole by creating positive change.
• Preventative measures are essential to tackle the root causes of homelessness and poverty before they escalate.

Corinthia A. Carter, president of LSSA 2320, discusses the union's strike for better wages and future sustainability.

• Carter represents 110 unionized workers of Mobilization of Justice, who are currently on strike, and over 500 workers at Legal Services NYC entering contract negotiations.
• The testimony emphasizes the need for increased funding for organizations like Mobilization of Justice and Legal Services NYC to maintain community social safety nets.
• She calls for investment in workers' wages and benefits rather than in executive raises or new positions.
• Carter highlights the importance of supporting other striking workers across New York City to improve working conditions and secure a sustainable future.

Valentina Vidal appeals to the council to restore funding for the RISE Workforce Development Program at GMHC to prevent job losses and service reductions.

• Vidal emphasizes the program's role in helping HIV/AIDS clients gain employment through personalized support like resume building and vocational training.
• She warns that budget cuts will lead to the loss of 7 staff positions and diminish the specialized services GMHC provides.
• Highlights GMHC’s long-standing commitment to the HIV/AIDS community, detailing its achievements in employment assistance and mistrust challenges among its client base.
• Mentions the importance of technology training facilitated by a recently refurbished computer lab, which is vital for client success in the digital age.
• Urges council support to avoid the consequences of budget cuts on the community GMHC serves and the effectiveness of the RISE program.

Terry Troia highlights the financial and systemic struggles faced by Project Hospitality in aiding the homeless and new immigrants on Staten Island.

• Shares 40 years of experience working with homeless individuals and the critical state of support systems.
• Discusses the financial challenges faced in running immigrant shelters, including a $10 million debt owed to them by governmental agencies.
• Advocates for a rapid response team to streamline funding processes and support housing for those with mental and behavioral health issues.
• Urges for the expansion of housing qualifications to include domestic violence survivors and a 5% cost of living adjustment for human service contracts.
• Stresses the importance of fully funding city agencies to prevent deaths on the streets due to inadequate support.

Brady Crain, CEO of Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services, addresses the council regarding the uncertain future of the Mainchain drop-in center due to non-renewal of their contract.

• Crain shares the historical impact of Mainchain, citing over 35 years of service and aiding over 6000 individuals towards permanent housing.
• He expresses confusion and concerns over the Department of Homeless Services' decision not to renew Mainchain's contract beyond June 2024.
• Advocates for the continuation of Mainchain's services, citing their indispensable role in tackling homelessness.
• Discusses potential service enhancements, including the addition of respite beds and collaborating with other providers to adopt successful models.
• Council Member Gale A. Brewer voices strong support for Mainchain and the necessity of reinstating their funding.

Kristen Miller discusses the severe payment delays facing nonprofits in New York City and details systemic reforms needed to alleviate these issues.

• Nonprofit organizations struggle with late payments from the city, affecting payroll and operations.
• Amounts owed range from $700,000 to $31 million, severely impacting the financial stability of these organizations.
• Miller calls for the creation of a rapid response team to tackle the backlog and systemic reforms to streamline bureaucratic processes.
• She highlights the need for additional staffing to process paperwork and a reevaluation of the cost of doing business with the city.
• The issue forces nonprofits to consider contracting with state and federal entities as a more reliable alternative.

Judith Rosenfeld discusses the financial struggles faced by Breaking Ground due to contracting and payment delays.

• Breaking Ground operates over 4,510 units of permanent and transitional housing for low-income and chronically homeless New Yorkers.
• Rosenfeld reports Breaking Ground is owed approximately $30,000,000 on government contracts, impacting their cash flow significantly.
• The delays in payment have caused a substantial increase in interest expenses on lines of credit, with a forecast of these credits being exhausted by the end of April.
• Without timely payments, Breaking Ground risks being unable to make payroll, underscoring the urgent need for resolution.

Doreen Thomann-Howe discusses Project Renewal's contributions and the essential services needed to support homeless New Yorkers.

• Project Renewal has offered shelter, housing, healthcare, and employment services for over 55 years.
• Thomann-Howe advocates for addressing homelessness by improving stability through affordable housing and employment opportunities.
• She highlights the impact of under staffing in city agencies on affordable housing development.
• Emphasizes the importance of frontline workers and supports the Just Pay campaign for fair compensation.
• Urges the council to invest more in supportive affordable housing and workforce development, and to pay human service workers a living wage.

Catherine Trapani discusses challenges in ending homelessness, payment delays, and advocating for fair wages for workers at Volunteers of America, Greater New York.

• Trapani testifies about the critical role of Volunteers of America's staff in delivering homelessness services and the necessity of fair wages.
• She highlights the issues of payment delays and the need for the reversal of budget cuts to maintain service quality and staff compensation.
• Trapani emphasizes the importance of the JESPAY campaign and the need for a meaningful cost of living adjustment that won't be subject to mid-year cuts.
• She advocates for better access to city services for homeless clients and the relaxation or reversal of stringent work requirements to aide in transitioning to permanent housing.
• Trapani thanks Deputy Speaker Ayala and the council for their support in the organization's efforts to end homelessness in New York City.

Arturo Brito discusses the Children's Health Fund's response to proposed budget cuts and outlines the organization's services in New York City.

• Brito describes how the Fund delivers medical, mental, dental, and social health services to children in homeless shelters and operates a clinic in the South Bronx.
• He highlights the Fund's national presence and emphasizes the importance of the flagship program in New York City.
• Brito expresses concerns over significant budget reductions proposed by Mayor Adams, including cuts to early child care and education funding.
• He introduces the 'Healthy and Ready to Learn' initiative, supported by NYC Council since 2014, as a key program in need of continued support.

Purnell Brice discusses the aims and impacts of the Healthy, Ready to Learn program funded by the NYC Council to keep kids in school by addressing health and social issues.

• The program is designed to complement comprehensive health care services by tackling issues that lead to school absences.
• Addressed problems include socioeconomic, racial issues, lack of vision and dental care, asthma, and childhood trauma.
• Examples of specific initiatives include dental days at schools and vision services.
• Brice expresses gratitude for the current funding level of $750,000 and advocates for continued support for this and other non-profits.
• The ultimate goal is to remove barriers to education and promote children's success in school.

Alison Wilkey outlines the Coalition for the Homeless' position on proposed NYC shelter system funding, advocating for increased investment and policy changes.

• Wilkey emphasizes the need for more low barrier shelter settings, including single occupancy safe havens and stabilization beds.
• She discusses the importance of expanded intensive mobile treatment teams and funding for assertive community treatment teams to support unsheltered individuals with serious mental illnesses.
• Wilkey raises concerns about the city's commitment to the right to shelter and reports an increase in complaints from homeless individuals facing issues with shelter placements.
• The testimony highlights the lack of budget increases for the CityFHEPS program despite its expansion and the need to address processing delays.
• Wilkey concludes with a call for significant investment in affordable housing specific to homeless and extremely low-income New Yorkers, proposing a $2.5 billion construction financing initiative.

Abby Biberman highlights the New York Legal Assistance Group's efforts in addressing issues with public assistance and SNAP application processing, including a lawsuit against the city.

• Discusses how clients face difficulties applying or recertifying for public assistance and SNAP, and in obtaining rental assistance.
• Mentions a lawsuit filed against the city for failures in processing applications and recertifications timely and for not maintaining functional systems.
• Reports a significant reduction in the application backlog, though the accuracy of the reported numbers has been questioned.
• Raises concerns about clients struggling to complete phone interviews, leading to a high number of denials.
• Urges for the maintenance of functional systems to aid clients in completing their applications and recertifications.

Raun Rasmussen advocates for increased funding to support Legal Services NYC's efforts in providing civil legal services to low-income New Yorkers and highlights the organization's key initiatives.

• Rasmussen requests an increase in funding to $7,000,000 for fiscal year 25 to support low-income legal services, and a restoration of $150,000 for the Veterans Justice Project.
• He emphasizes the critical role of legal services in ensuring shelter, safety from domestic violence, stable income, access to high-quality education, and healthcare.
• Rasmussen highlights the challenges faced by New York City's children during the pandemic and asks for $500,000 to support the Access to Education Project for kids with special needs.
• The testimony mentions the significant underfunding of legal services, including the need to raise an additional $10,000,000 to $15,000,000 annually for eviction and prevention services due to low case rates.

Adrian Holder discusses the Legal Aid Society's comprehensive approach to housing justice, emphasizing on foreclosure prevention, homeless rights, and the impact of their advocacy.

• Holder highlights the Legal Aid Society's role in assisting low-income New Yorkers through various units focused on housing justice, foreclosure prevention, and homeless rights.
• The housing justice helpline and legal assistance programs are underscored for their role in advising on housing matters and overcoming barriers like income discrimination.
• Holder mentions key achievements, including the passage of laws against income discrimination and the creation of state-administered programs for family homelessness and eviction prevention, credited to the Legal Aid Society's advocacy.
• The testimony calls for enhanced city council support for discretionary funding and right to counsel initiatives to sustain and expand services for low-income New Yorkers.
• Holder expresses gratitude for past city council support and expects continued partnership in addressing the housing affordability and shelter crises.

Kathy Kramer, CEO of Family Legal Care, highlights the dire need for resources and support for unrepresented litigants in New York City's family courts.

• Kramer outlines the struggle faced by unrepresented litigants in family court, many of whom are low-income, from communities of color, or non-English speaking.
• She stresses the under-resourced state of family courts and points out that 80% of litigants lack legal representation, affecting their access to justice in critical issues like child support and custody.
• Family Legal Care, the only organization in New York City focusing on this issue, serves nearly 30,000 families annually through legal advice, consultations, and innovative digital tools.
• Kramer raises concerns about potential significant funding losses from the mayor's office and calls for increased council discretionary funding to continue their support for families.
• She underscores the significance of strong families as the foundation of a thriving city and the vital role of Family Legal Care in ensuring their well-being.

McGregor Smyth highlights the critical role of New York Lawyers for the Public Interest in providing legal and medical assistance to underserved New Yorkers.

• Smyth thanks the council for supporting legal services that assist New Yorkers, including the immigrant health initiative.
• The organization is part of the New York City Council's immigrant health initiative, which has saved lives and improved healthcare.
• Smyth shares a success story of Ms. G, an undocumented and uninsured client, who received a kidney transplant through their assistance.
• He calls for enhanced support and funding fairness for the essential work they do.

Anna Arkin-Gallagher discusses the vital role of Brooklyn Defender Services in providing legal and social work services to minimize collateral consequences for clients facing criminal, family, or immigration matters.

• Advocates for increased city support and investment in civil legal services to address issues before litigation.
• Describes how their civil justice practice assists clients in maintaining their public benefits, housing, and family stability through preventive interventions.
• Highlights the importance of interdisciplinary representation and early intervention in avoiding court proceedings.
• Calls for renewed and expanded funding for civil legal services, including immigration practice support, to enhance their ability to enforce low wage immigrant workers' rights and offer immigration relief.
• Stress on the necessity of full representation for legal aid recipients beyond just court appearances to provide comprehensive solutions.

Omarax Rosa discusses the critical role of economic justice in community well-being and highlights the challenges in addressing housing instability in New York City.

• Emphasizes that addressing housing issues early can prevent legal system involvement.
• Discusses specific problems including housing voucher programs, the one-shot deal, SNAP replacement, and lack of affordable housing.
• Urges adequate support for nonprofits like the Center for Justice Innovation and city agencies in the year's budget.
• Highlights New York City's housing crisis with less than 1% of apartments affordable to those making $60,000 a year or more.
• Advocates for enhanced partnership with the Council to ensure accessible, fair housing courts, and resource centers with necessary resources for the community.

Greg Silverman discusses the critical role of The West Side Campaign Against Hunger in combating citywide hunger, focusing on the distribution of fresh produce and advocating for increased funding for emergency food services.

• The organization feeds approximately 80,000 New Yorkers, distributing over 2.2 million pounds of fresh produce annually.
• Partnerships with major emergency food providers help maintain quality and affordability across the network.
• A study with Columbia University links improved food security to increased fresh vegetable and fruit consumption, suggesting potential reductions in diet-related chronic diseases.
• Silverman highlights an urgent need for at least $60 million in funding for the Community Food Connections program to adequately address rising demand.
• He calls for no budget cuts to school food programs and increased support for Human Resources Administration staff to enhance service quality for those in need.

Nicholas Buess addresses the ongoing crisis in food assistance due to increased demand and decreased supply in New York City.

• Food Bank for New York City serves around 800 food pantries and soup kitchens across the five boroughs.
• There's been an 80% increase in visits to these food programs compared to pre-pandemic levels, while the food supply has decreased.
• Approximately 200 organizations have sought Food Bank's support, but were turned away due to insufficient food supplies.
• Buess calls for a $10,000,000 investment in community food connection to support existing organizations in their efforts.

Jerome Nathaniel details the efforts of City Harvest in rescuing food and distributing it to New Yorkers in need, and suggests improvements to the mayor's preliminary budget to better address hunger.

• City Harvest is set to rescue over 77 million pounds of food this year, but their efforts are not enough to meet the demand.
• Nathaniel advocates for increased staffing at the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and more support for the SNAP program.
• He proposes a modest increase in funding for the Community Food Connections to meet the rising operational costs and demand for emergency food.
• The testimony includes a call to leverage state and federal funding for assisting new arrivals and shelters.
• Additionally, Nathaniel supports the restoration of $60 million in funding for Office of Food and Nutrition Services (OFNS) school meals to combat child hunger.

Kim Moscaritolo presents a testimony on the severity of hunger and food insecurity in New York City and outlines solutions.

• Highlights a crisis of hunger and food insecurity affecting 1.28 million NYC residents.
• Advocates for increasing participation in federally funded programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), school breakfast, and summer EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer).
• Presents USDA data indicating one in five children in NYC experiences food insecurity, with numbers even higher in the Bronx.
• Stresses the importance of the SNAP program as the most effective way to combat hunger in the city.
• Recommends increasing funding for nonprofit groups, creating a "My City" portal for benefits, ending subminimum wages for tip food service workers, funding a SNAP-like program for ineligible immigrants, ensuring school breakfast availability, and launching an outreach campaign for summer EBT participation.

Paula Inhargue highlights the critical role of community-based organizations in facilitating access to New York City benefits and addresses funding challenges.

• Paula Inhargue, representing United Neighborhood Houses, showcases the success of community-based organizations in helping New Yorkers access vital benefits.
• She emphasizes the importance of the New York City benefits program in fostering community outreach and benefits enrollment.
• Inhargue points out the specific challenges presented by the freezing and unfreezing of program funding, calling for financial stability.
• She advocates for continuous funding for all 36 community-based organization providers beyond the current fiscal year to maintain broad geographical coverage and support for diverse communities.
• Inhargue underscores the necessity of clear communication and sustainable planning for the future of the benefits program amidst fiscal uncertainties.

Cathy Vargas discusses the crucial role of the New York City benefits program in aiding low-income families in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and the negative impact of proposed budget cuts.

• Vargas represents the Community Services Program at the Center for Family Life, emphasizing the organization's long-standing service to Sunset Park.
• She highlights the significant poverty levels and reliance on public benefits among the Latino and Chinese populations of the neighborhood.
• Vargas stresses that the proposed budget cuts would worsen disparities for the community's most vulnerable.
• Advocates for a $10,000,000 funding continuation to support the program's holistic approach, which addresses technical and language barriers.
• The testimony ends with a plea for sustained investment in the program as essential for the community's future health, stability, and prosperity.

Nafisa Rahman, a student at Hunter College, advocates for the support of low-income students facing educational barriers through the Welfare Rights Initiative (WRI).

• Rahman details the WRI's mission to improve economic security for families and decrease income inequality in NYC.
• She discusses the importance of addressing policy implementation issues and the need for action plans to help low-income students at risk of dropping out.
• Rahman shares her experiences with the WRI's community leadership program, highlighting the organization of a day of action at Hunter College.
• She calls for the Human Resources Administration (HRA) to improve communication clarity and consistency, while stressing the significance of educational opportunities and support services for welfare-eligible families.

Michelle Berney emphasizes the need for continued funding for the NYC Benefits Initiative to aid New Yorkers' access to benefits.

• Berney, representing the Benefits Plus Learning Center, testifies on the initiative's groundbreaking partnership between the city, CBOs, and technical assistance providers.
• Highlights the initiative's ability to significantly expand access to urgently needed benefits through a comprehensive training curriculum and case consultation.
• Commends the Adams Administration's commitment to benefits access and the potential for systemic improvement.
• Advocates for the initiative's importance in maintaining long-term strategic improvements to the benefits system.

Meredith Levine highlights JASA's critical role in assisting older New Yorkers access public benefits and entitlements, emphasizing the importance of tailored support and advocacy.

• Levine represents JASA, where she oversees the NYC benefits program focused on aiding the elderly in overcoming barriers to access benefits.
• She illustrates various support methods like home visits for document collection, setting up technology for the less tech-savvy, and correcting benefit denials.
• Under Levine's leadership, the program has helped over 400 older New Yorkers in its first year, providing a wide array of benefits including SNAP and Medicaid.
• Levine calls for the continuation of the NYC benefits program’s current funding to ensure it can keep supporting vulnerable New Yorkers effectively.
• This testimony was presented to a NYC city council committee, advocating for a $10,000,000 funding to preserve the program and support its beneficiaries.

Towaki Komatsu testifies about being illegally barred from a public meeting, poor shelter conditions, and city officials' inaction.

• Komatsu claims he was kept out of a public meeting through a planned email among city personnel.
• He describes being assaulted in a micro shelter, highlighting the lack of basic amenities and inadequate care.
• Komatsu criticizes the city council's engagement and accountability during his testimony.
• He questions the financial management of the shelter's $38 million contract, given the poor conditions.
• Despite seeking legal and advocacy assistance, Komatsu feels stonewalled and demands action on shelter issues and public meeting access.

Gabriela Sandoval Regana highlights New Destiny's mission to combat the dual crises of domestic violence and housing instability for survivors.

• Sandoval Regana discusses New Destiny's role in developing supportive housing for domestic violence survivors and advocating for additional housing resources.
• She emphasizes the grave statistics of domestic violence in NYC, noting a domestic violence report every two minutes in 2022 according to the NYPD.
• The testimony outlines the necessity of safe and affordable permanent housing for survivors to leave their abusers and rebuild their lives.
• Concerns are raised about the Human Resources Administration's limited capacity affecting survivors' housing transitions and the advocacy for funding the housing stability microgrant program.
• Sandoval Regana calls for administrative solutions to improve access to affordable housing for survivors at no additional city cost.

Tara Joy, representing the Mobilization for Justice union, testifies about the ongoing strike due to staff attrition, insufficient wages, and its impacts.

• The union comprises 110 members working in various fields including housing, economic justice, and children's rights, serving 15,000 households citywide.
• Joy highlights the loss of 23 employees, 17 unfilled positions, and the inadequate 2% salary increases offered by management.
• She stresses the importance of fair and equitable wages to retain staff and maintain the organization's capacity to provide life-changing advocacy.
• Joy calls for any funding increases from the city to prioritally support the workers over executives.
• She acknowledges Council members Banks and Rest for their support and invites others to join the picket line.

Gloria Kim discusses the need for fair compensation and improvements to workforce investments in human services.

• Gloria Kim represents the Human Services Council in advocating for better compensation for over 170 human services providers' workers in NYC.
• She thanks the city council for a recent $100 million investment and the promise of another $50 million, but critiques these as insufficient.
• Kim highlights the sector's challenges such as a high percentage of workers needing food stamps due to low wages.
• She stresses the disparity between the salaries of human services workers and those in government or the private sector.
• Kim advocates for a 5% cost of living adjustment (COLA) this year and 3% COLA in the following years for all city-funded human services contracts.

Antonia House discusses the need for revisions in the Immigrant Opportunities Initiative to better support immigrant communities through legal services.

• Advocates for increased funding to ensure fair wages for staff and comprehensive support in areas such as supervision, language assistance, and administration.
• Calls for reinvestment towards employment-specific legal services to address wage theft, which negatively impacts the city’s economy.
• Emphasizes the importance of prioritizing full legal representation over pro se assistance to prevent undocumented statuses and secure economic stability for immigrants.
• Highlights the open bidding process as an opportunity to address previous challenges and adapt to New York’s current social and economic conditions.

Teirra Labrada outlines the failures of NYC1515 in meeting its supportive housing development goals and proposes enhancements.

• NYC1515 is underachieving in its target to create 15,000 units by 2030, with only 17% of the goal met due to a shortage of private market units and low rental vacancies.
• The program is also hampered by inadequate service rates, affecting its effectiveness.
• Labrada highlights the issue as a matter of racial equity, noting the overrepresentation of black people in supportive housing applications and tenancy.
• A reallocation plan is proposed to improve NYC1515, including developing more congregate units, limiting scattered site units, and increasing service and operating rates.
• Additional proposals include expanding eligibility and ensuring fair compensation for the workforce, addressing the needs of individuals exiting jail or prison and survivors of domestic violence.

James Dill, Executive Director of Housing And Services Inc., urges for the reallocation of NY 1515 housing units and resources to better address chronic homelessness.

• Advocates for the reallocation of NY 1515 housing units to focus more on congregate units rather than an equal distribution between congregate and scatter site units.
• Highlights challenges of sustaining the current 5050 allocation due to market conditions, projecting failures in providing adequate housing.
• Expresses concerns that current market conditions risk making Housing and Services Inc. a provider of substandard housing, exacerbating homelessness.
• Supports the 1515 initiative's goal but stresses the need for a revised allocation and additional funding for compliance with local laws.
• Commits to submitting written testimony to further emphasize their stance.

Lauren Schuster discusses Urban Resource Institute's role in combating domestic violence and homelessness, emphasizing the need for increased resources and collaboration with the NYC City Council.

• Urban Resource Institute operates as the largest domestic violence shelter service provider nationwide and addresses homelessness.
• She reports a significant rise in domestic violence-related homicides and assaults between 2021 and 2022, and highlights homelessness increase.
• Domestic violence is identified as a primary cause of family homelessness, with 41% of families in the DHS shelter system having experienced it.
• Schuster urges for the identification of new funding sources, increase in dove funding in affected council districts, and $6 million for a housing stability support program.
• She also calls for timely contract reimbursements from the council to prevent financial crises for organizations like URI.

Raquel Grant addresses three key issues faced by The Campaign Against Hunger, including food contract reimbursement, benefits work assessment, and workforce development support.

• Grant emphasizes the impact of food inflation and the need for improved reimbursement processes for organizations.
• She calls for the Department of Social Services to evaluate benefit programs for underrepresented families, highlighting SNAP and the child tax credit.
• Advocates for more support for workforce development programs to help families achieve financial stability.
• Notes the organization's operational deficit and the threat of budget cuts, advocating for sustained and increased funding for food assistance programs.

Nathalie Pierre Louise discusses the vital support provided by Goddard Riverside's Resource Center, emphasizing the need for sustained funding for NYC benefits programs.

• Goddard Riverside, a settlement house, offers a range of services including benefits screening, financial counseling, legal consultation, and support for New Yorkers.
• A significant part of the Resource Center's funding comes from the NYC benefits program, which aids 36 providers with approximately $9 to $10 million.
• Through the NYC benefits program, the Resource Center has assisted 472 individuals, submitted 301 applications for benefits, and managed 1017 cases.
• Success stories highlight the Resource Center's advocacy for individuals, including assistance in obtaining SNAP benefits, legal support for disabled clients, and aiding a seven-year resident of a shelter to secure housing.
• Pierre Louise urges the council to maintain the program's funding to continue providing essential services to New Yorkers.

Judy Siqhan highlights New York Common Pantry's efforts in feeding New York's food insecure population and calls for increased and transparent funding.

• New York Common Pantry has provided around 10,200,000 meals in the past year, up from 6,000,000 meals before the pandemic.
• The organization has seen a 400% increase in asylum seekers seeking food, hygiene services, healthcare insurance, and referrals.
• Siqhan credits additional NYC Funding for allowing the pantry to expand services, but stresses the need for more recognition and financial support for food pantries.
• Concerns are raised about the Community Food Connection (CFC) funding being uncertain in future years and the lack of transparency and timeliness in funding allocations.

Rachel Bryant discusses the importance of providing kosher and halal emergency food in New York City.

• Met Council is a leading charity in the U.S. fighting poverty and is a significant provider of emergency food in New York City, serving over 320,000 clients annually.
• The organization offers exclusively kosher and halal emergency food, serving any New Yorker regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion.
• Jewish and Muslim communities face substantial barriers to food access, with over 80% of Muslim Americans unable to observe a halal diet due to food insufficiency.
• During the pandemic, over 20% of emergency meals provided through the city's Get Food NYC program were kosher or halal.
• Bryant emphasizes the ongoing need for emergency food to address poverty and recover post-pandemic, highlighting the limitation of kosher (kala) certified products offered by the program.

Jesenia Ponce, Coordinating Attorney at Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation, advocates for increased funding for legal services for the working poor.

• Ponce highlights the importance of flexible funding in providing wraparound services, including housing, immigration, education, and benefits.
• The funding allows for services to those who might not qualify for low-income services but are at risk of poverty.
• The testimony includes a request to increase each coalition member's funding to $600,000 to better serve working poor New Yorkers.
• Ponce emphasizes the coalition’s role in addressing multiple issues for clients who often face more than one challenge.

Elise Benusa outlines Planned Parenthood of Greater New York's request for city council funding to support sexual and reproductive health programs.

• Planned Parenthood of Greater New York has provided sexual and reproductive health care and education for over 100 years.
• Benusa highlights the Youth Health Promoters (YHP) program, which educates youth about their rights and access to care through peer engagement.
• She requests continued funding from the city council for the YHP program and other youth-serving initiatives to expand services.
• Funding is also requested for Project Street Beat, targeting outreach and services for vulnerable populations, including immigrants.
• Benusa emphasizes the importance of these programs in providing critical health care services and education in a challenging national context.

Peggy Herrera, a leader at Freedom Agenda and mother who lost her son to gun violence, criticizes Mayor Adams' ineffective public safety approach during her testimony.

• Herrera shares her personal experience as a mother, youth counselor, and New Yorker to advocate for community and mental health investments over increased policing and incarceration.
• She argues for the prioritization of funding for the Department of Social Services over the Department of Correction, highlighting services like food stamps, housing vouchers, and job training programs.
• Herrera emphasizes that the safest communities have the most resources, not the highest levels of policing and incarceration, calling for a budget that aligns with this belief.
• She points out the inconsistency in budget cuts, questioning why the Department of Social Services faces cuts while the Department of Correction does not.

Jay Edidin highlights the challenges faced by incarcerated women and gender expansive individuals at the Rose M. Singer Center on Rikers Island, emphasizing the need for alternatives to incarceration.

• Edidin points out that 1 in 5 inmates at the Rose M. Singer Center faces non-violent survival crimes and underscores the lack of access to necessary resources.
• 80% of the incarcerated population struggles with mental health issues, and many are primary caregivers, which exacerbates their vulnerabilities.
• Criticizes Mayor Adams' expansion plans for the Queensboro jail and his approach to mass incarceration, which ignores the rising rates of incarceration among women that are disproportionate to crime rates.
• Calls for the General Welfare Committee to resist mass incarceration strategies and prioritize community resources and alternatives to incarceration and detention.

Juan Diaz emphasizes the necessity of implementing strategies to prevent family homelessness and address the challenges faced by vulnerable New Yorkers.

• Diaz highlights serious delays in housing and public benefit application processes, and vacancy rates in social services organizations.
• He proposes implementing the CityFabs expansion, improving public benefits access, resolving contracting issues, and enhancing service stability through various measures.
• Recommendations include funding for community-based coordinators, meaningful cost-of-living adjustments for home services staff, and streamlining the approval process for housing units.
• Diaz underlines the importance of investing in programs and strategies that preemptively combat family homelessness.

Jeanine Costley, Senior Vice President at the Institute for Community Living, underscores the urgent needs of nonprofits addressing New York City's mental health and homelessness crises.

• Costley discusses the critical challenges in staff retention and the necessity for substantial investment in the underpaid workforce.
• She highlights a 32% turnover rate across programs and a 70% turnover rate in shelters, emphasizing the need for funding to achieve pay parity with state-funded programs.
• The testimony stresses the importance of a cost of living adjustment for workers and a major transformation of the shelter system, faulting shelters for their size, resources, and locations.
• Costley calls for increased funding to cover the rising costs of food, insurance, and operational expenses, alongside immediate financial support to ensure the continuous provision of services.