New York City Council
Committee on General Welfare
Jun 11, 2024
·
01:00 PM
2 hr 31 min
Summary
A hearing on improving services and policies for families with children residing in New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelters. Discussions centered around challenges faced by these families such as language barriers, lack of childcare during the intake process, inadequate food quality and cultural sensitivity, disruptions due to frequent transfers between shelters, and difficulties obtaining immigration documentation and legal aid. The hearing explored potential legislative reforms like providing shelter intake navigators, opening additional borough-based intake centers, ensuring access to eligibility specialists at shelters, and partnering with community organizations. Features testimony from the NYC Department of Homeless Services, nonprofit shelter providers, advocates, impacted parents, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Diana I. Ayala opens oversight hearing on families with children in New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelters
Council Member Diana I. Ayala, who is also the Deputy Speaker of the New York City Council and the Chair of the General Welfare Committee, opens an oversight hearing on …
0:00:24
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108 sec
Council Member Diana I. Ayala opens oversight hearing on the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelter system for families with children
Council Member Ayala explains the purpose of the oversight hearing to examine issues facing families with children in the DHS shelter system. - Ayala notes a 147% increase in entries …
0:02:14
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163 sec
Council Member Jumaane Williams opens City Council hearing on the impact of shelter policies on families and children
Jumaane Williams, the Public Advocate of New York City, delivered an opening statement criticizing the city's shelter policies and their severe impact on homeless families and children. - He noted …
0:04:58
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3 min
Angela Serda, Mother and Immigrant from Ecuador, on Inadequate Shelter Conditions and Lacking Support for Immigrants in New York City
Angela Serda, a immigrant from Ecuador, testifies about the poor living conditions, lack of case management, and inadequate support for obtaining immigration documents she and her family have faced in …
0:10:09
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13 min
Ninibeth Rivas, from Venezuela, on the Poor Living Conditions and Lack of Support at a NYC Homeless Shelter Hotel
Ninbeth Rivas, an immigrant from Venezuela, testify about the poor living conditions and lack of support at a NYC homeless shelter hotel they were transferred to. - She describes unlivable …
0:23:53
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4 min
Since moving to the DHS facility, have you been connected to legal services to start paperwork for working papers?
The council member asks if Rivas and Serda have been connected to legal services to start the process for obtaining work authorization documents. - Both reply no.
0:29:02
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30 sec
How long have Angela Serda and Ninibeth Rivas been at the site they are discussing?
The translator states that Angela Serda and Ninibeth Rivas have been at the site being discussed for a little over a month.
0:29:33
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13 sec
Did the shelter residents receive information about having to leave after 60 days?
The council member asks if the shelter residents were informed that they would have to leave after 60 days, and the shelter residents respond no. - The translator confirms that …
0:29:46
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19 sec
Are there social workers or case managers consistently available on-site at homeless shelters?
There are no full-time social workers present at the shelter site being discussed. - Case managers are sometimes present, but not consistently available - Only supervisors are always on-site, no …
0:30:06
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45 sec
What borough is the shelter that Rivas and Serda live in?
The shelter facilities for Rivas and Serda are located in Brooklyn.
0:30:51
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8 sec
What are the security procedures for entering and staying in homeless shelters?
The council member explains that there are security checks and bag searches when entering homeless shelters for safety reasons and to prevent weapons from entering. - The residents are subject …
0:31:00
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138 sec
What information did the family receive when instructed to leave their previous shelter? Are they currently in a Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelter, and how has their child's education been impacted?
The family did not receive clear information about whether their current shelter is operated by the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) or subject to the 60-day rule. - They are …
0:33:43
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68 sec
What information did families receive when instructed to leave the shelter?
The council member explains that one family received minimal information when instructed to leave the shelter. - The family member was given a paper in a language she did not …
0:34:51
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77 sec
What was the process and advocacy like for trying to keep families from exiting the shelter?
The translator explains that Angela Serda was given papers to sign without translation and then had to quickly leave the shelter apartment. - Families facing shelter transfers reached out to …
0:36:10
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160 sec
Council Member Shahana Hanif states her questions for the administration
Council Member Hanif expresses concern about the treatment of immigrant families during school transfers, and states questions she has for the administration when they testify. - She asks what the …
0:38:51
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42 sec
What are the challenges faced by children in homeless families regarding their schooling?
The council member explains that for homeless families, children face challenges in commuting long distances to get to their schools after being displaced from their previous homes. - The commute …
0:39:33
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165 sec
Council Member Shahana Hanif expresses gratitude for inclusivity and compassion in NYC public schools
Council Member Hanif expresses gratitude for PS 124's work in promoting inclusivity and compassion among students. - Hanif commends the school for valuing students' diverse backgrounds - She praises the …
0:42:19
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25 sec
Joslyn Carter, Administrator of the NYC Department of Homeless Services on the intake process and services for families with children entering DHS shelters
Joslyn Carter explains the intake process at the PATH center for families with children entering NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelters. - Families spend an average of 6-7 hours …
0:44:05
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15 min
Why is there only one PATH intake center for homeless families in New York City?
The administrator explains that having a single intake center allows for consistent messaging and services for homeless families. - The intake center is located in the Bronx, where most homeless …
0:59:54
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127 sec
What are the benefits of having a centralized homeless service site according to the NYC Department of Homeless Services?
The administrator of the NYC Department of Homeless Services explains that their centralized site is easily accessible by public transportation and provides comprehensive, wraparound services for families experiencing homelessness. - …
1:02:07
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79 sec
What are the possibilities of having an additional site with comprehensive services for homeless individuals?
The council member asks if the Department of Homeless Services would be open to a feasibility study of having another site that offers the same comprehensive services currently provided at …
1:03:32
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17 sec
Has the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) partnered with non-profit organizations to provide shelter access?
The DHS Administrator explains that the agency partners with non-profit organizations to provide shelter services. - The Administrator believes it is important for DHS to provide consistent services across different …
1:03:49
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51 sec
What roles can non-profit organizations play in helping families access homeless services, and can partnerships between the city and non-profits facilitate consistent access?
The council member asks if non-profit organizations could partner with the city to help ensure families have consistent access to homeless services, especially for communities that may trust non-profits more. …
1:04:41
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99 sec
What percentage of individuals coming to the PATH intake site in the Bronx are from the Bronx, and can a breakdown by borough be provided?
The administrator does not have the percentage of individuals coming to the PATH intake site from the Bronx readily available but will get back to the council with that information.
1:06:23
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26 sec
Why does having more intake sites not equate to less time spent for family placements?
The administrator explains that having more intake sites does not necessarily reduce the time spent for family placements in the shelter system. - Intake involves collecting a lot of information …
1:06:49
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63 sec
What is the Department of Homeless Services doing to address the root causes of homelessness in specific areas and provide preventative services?
The Department of Homeless Services is working with schools in the Bronx to provide education and prevention services to families at risk of homelessness. - DHS staff are visiting schools …
1:07:58
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140 sec
Council Member Diana I. Ayala raises concerns about DHS
Council Member Ayala raises concerns about limited resources for tenant support and legal services in parts of the Bronx. - She suggests using data from the Department of Homeless Services …
1:10:18
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84 sec
What is being done to address homelessness and work with community organizations?
The administrator explains that the NYC Department of Homeless Services will work with local community-based organizations (CBOs) and use its area offices to disseminate information. - The administrator states they …
1:11:43
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14 sec
Council Member Diana I. Ayala cites further concerns about DHS
Council Member Ayala raises concerns about lack of accessible mental health clinics and psychiatrists for homeless individuals. - She questions the Department of Homeless Services Administrator about centralized data on …
1:11:57
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80 sec
How can individuals access and apply for public assistance from the Human Resources Administration (HRA)?
The administrator explains that individuals can apply for or access public assistance from HRA without visiting an office. - Individuals can apply online through Access HRA. - They can also …
1:13:18
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12 sec
Council Member Diana I. Ayala opens a New York City Council meeting on homeless services access
Council Member Ayala expresses concerns about the accessibility of homeless intake services in New York City. - She notes that some people lack computer literacy or access, making online services …
1:13:30
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161 sec
Joslyn Carter explains systems in DHS
Joslyn Carter explains various systems within DHS in response to Council Member Ayala. - Carter explains the diversion units, resource rooms, and efforts to open public assistance cases at intake …
1:16:11
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76 sec
What services are available to migrant families experiencing homelessness?
The administrator explains that migrant families seeking shelter initially go through the intake process at Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing (PATH) but are then transported to the arrival center. - …
1:17:27
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50 sec
What services are available for asylum seekers and what is needed for obtaining certain services?
The administrator explains that asylum seekers are not processed at their site for services. - They realize asylum seekers are seeking services - They then transport asylum seekers to an …
1:18:18
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19 sec
How many shelters does the Department of Homeless Services currently operate for asylum-seeking families?
The Department of Homeless Services has opened 160 shelter sites for asylum-seeking families. - There were initially 162 sites opened - But currently there are 160 active sites - These …
1:18:38
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13 sec
Are residents of those sites recipients of DHS resources?
The DHS administrator confirms that residents at sites for asylum-seeking families receive resources from DHS that they qualify for.
1:18:53
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13 sec
How does the administration plan to increase families with children exiting from shelter into permanent housing by 20-25% by 2030?
The administration has two initiatives to help families with children exit shelters into permanent housing. Through the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), the city has the Girls Groomed to Lead …
1:19:09
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67 sec
Council Member Diana I. Ayala comments on how land use projects could benefit homeless shelters and asylum seekers
Council Member Diana I. Ayala states the City Council has voted to approve land use projects that will provide set-asides for homeless families. - She mentions the faster those projects …
1:20:17
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36 sec
What is being done to transfer asylum-seeking families to dedicated shelters and services?
The administrator explains that since 2022, asylum-seeking families have been transferred to dedicated asylum seeker sanctuary sites to provide appropriate services. - The Department of Homeless Services initially placed asylum …
1:20:54
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124 sec
How many families were asked to transfer shelters by the NYC Department of Homeless Services?
The administrator of the NYC Department of Homeless Services does not provide a specific number on how many families were asked to transfer shelters. - The administrator acknowledges that they …
1:22:59
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92 sec
How many families were asked to transfer shelters and from how many different shelters?
The NYC Department of Homeless Services does not have data on the total number of families asked to transfer shelters or the number of different shelters involved in transfers. - …
1:24:31
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39 sec
What are the particular needs of asylum seeking children being handled, including language assessment and support for trauma-informed care?
The administrator explains how the educational needs of asylum seeking children in NYC shelters are being addressed. - The Department of Homeland Services (DHS) works with the Department of Education …
1:25:09
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102 sec
What is being done to ensure documents at homeless shelters are provided in individuals' native languages?
The council member asks about documentation provided to individuals being transferred from homeless shelters being in their native language. The administrator responds that the Department of Homeless Services has documents …
1:26:53
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65 sec
Council Member Diana I. Ayala on DHS policies that harm migrant children
Council Member Diana I. Ayala criticizes policies displacing migrant children from shelters and school settings. - She expresses concern for the trauma and lack of stability these displacements cause children …
1:27:59
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5 min
Joslyn Carter, Administrator of the NYC Department of Homeless Services, on Efforts to Address the Needs of Homeless Families
Carter discusses the NYC Department of Homeless Services' initiatives to improve services for homeless families. - She talks about focusing on improving food quality by working with nutritionists and medical …
1:33:08
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173 sec
What coordination is happening between the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and the Department of Education (DOE) regarding students transferring schools due to shelter transfers or closures?
DHS tries to transfer students to shelters within the same borough as their current school to minimize disruption. - Parents have the choice whether to transfer their child's school when …
1:36:01
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123 sec
What are the reasons for hotels not extending contracts with NYC for housing homeless families?
The administrator from the NYC Department of Homeless Services explains that sometimes hotels may not want to extend contracts. - Hotels may decide they can do better business than contracting …
1:38:04
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56 sec
What is the main reason families with children were found ineligible for shelter by the NYC Department of Homeless Services in fiscal years 2023 and 2024?
The council member explains that families with children were primarily found ineligible for shelter because they did not cooperate with the housing investigation process or had potential other housing options …
1:39:04
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93 sec
What happens when an individual is found ineligible for shelter and the home they would return to is overcrowded or unsafe?
The DHS administrator explains that if a person's previous home is overcrowded or has domestic violence, it is considered not viable housing and they cannot be sent back there. - …
1:40:37
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58 sec
What support is provided to homeless applicants in obtaining evidence of their housing history?
The NYC Department of Homeless Services staff assists applicants in obtaining proof of their prior housing situations and homelessness history. - Staff helps applicants gather evidence like proof from shelters, …
1:41:36
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74 sec
What happens if migrant families receiving relocation assistance return to New York City shelters?
If migrant families leave NYC shelters through a relocation assistance pilot program but later return, they are still eligible for shelter beds. - The pilot program provides a $4,000 payment …
1:42:50
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62 sec
How many fair hearings were held for clients denied homeless services, and what were the outcomes?
The administrator from the NYC Department of Homeless Services does not have data breaking down the number of fair hearings held or their outcomes specifically for families with children clients …
1:43:53
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59 sec
What training is provided to DHS staff to ensure unbiased eligibility determinations for homeless services?
The administrator explains DHS provides monthly staff trainings on trauma-informed care and avoiding unconscious bias when engaging with families. - Trainings cover recognizing unconscious bias - Trainings are conducted by …
1:44:53
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76 sec
How can clients file complaints about mistreatment or harsh interactions with staff at the Department of Homeless Services (DHS)?
The administrator explains that DHS has a dedicated complaint line that clients can call if they feel mistreated by staff. - Clients can also file complaints through 311 which get …
1:46:09
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4 min
Council Member Diana I. Ayala remarks on burnout
Council Member Ayala emphasizes the importance of self-care and regulating one's emotions when working with vulnerable populations. - She acknowledges that service providers can experience burnout from interacting with clients …
1:50:26
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44 sec
What measures has DHS taken to track exit outcomes for families with children leaving homeless shelters?
DHS focuses on families exiting shelters with housing subsidies, as they are less likely to return to the shelter system. - The return rate for families exiting with subsidies is …
1:51:11
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3 min
Why are so few families with children able to utilize rental vouchers to leave homeless shelters and secure permanent housing in the private market?
The administrator explains that families exit homeless shelters through various means, not just rental vouchers. - As of April, 2,129 families exited with non-HPD City vouchers (FEPS) - 2,039 families …
1:54:28
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3 min
Council Member Diana I. Ayala ends questioning with Joslyn Carter
Council Member Ayala thanks attendees and says the Council will review feedback on bills related to homelessness and housing. - She acknowledges the work is difficult - She says the …
1:58:15
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33 sec
Dr. Xellex Rivera, Chief Program Officer at Housing Solutions of New York, on Efforts to End Homelessness and Support Asylum Seekers
Dr. Xellex Rivera provided testimony on Housing Solutions of New York's mission to end homelessness in NYC by offering support services, employment assistance, and permanent affordable housing. - 75% of …
2:01:39
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156 sec
Deborah Berkman, Senior Staff Attorney at New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), on Inadequate Conditions and Support for New Immigrants in DHS Emergency Sanctuary Site Shelters
Berkman testifies about the challenges faced by new immigrant families placed in DHS emergency sanctuary site shelters, which lack resources and support compared to traditional family shelters. - Many clients …
2:04:31
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178 sec
Council Member Diana I. Ayala remarks on food quality in shelters
Council Member Ayala shares personal experiences to highlight the importance of food variety and quality, especially in shelters. - She recounts experiences with repetitive school meals to illustrate her point …
2:07:29
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110 sec
Catherine Trapani, Assistant Vice President for Public Policy at Volunteers of America, on the Challenges Faced by Families in the NYC Shelter System
Catherine Trapani from Volunteers of America discusses the arduous process families face to establish eligibility and access services in the NYC shelter system. - Around 20% of families in their …
2:10:14
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3 min
Maya Jasinska, Manager of Policy and Advocacy at Women in Need, Inc. (Win) on improving the NYC PATH intake process for homeless families with children
Jasinska calls for reforms to make the intake process for homeless families at NYC's Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing (PATH) offices more humane and less traumatic. - She represents Win, …
2:14:12
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137 sec
Will Watts, Deputy Executive Director for Advocacy at the Coalition for the Homeless, on barriers to accessing and unsafe conditions in NYC homeless shelters
Watts testifies about the challenges homeless families face in accessing and residing in NYC shelters. - Many families are found ineligible for shelter, with eligibility rates hovering around 40% for …
2:16:35
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137 sec
Council Member Diana I. Ayala expresses concerns about conditions in shelters
Council Member Ayala expresses concerns about the poor living conditions in homeless shelters, including infestations of bedbugs, roaches and mice. - She states that people living in shelters are often …
2:18:54
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35 sec
Chloe Smith, Director of Programs at the Children's Health Fund, on Supporting Students' Health and Educational Needs Regardless of Housing Situation
Smith discusses the Children's Health Fund's efforts to support students facing housing instability through its Healthy and Ready to Learn program. - The program works with schools and parents to …
2:20:10
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133 sec
Juan Diaz, Policy Associate at Citizens' Committee for Children (CCC), on Improving Services and Supporting Legislation for DHS Shelters Serving Families with Children
Juan Diaz testifies before the City Council committee on improving services at NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelters for families with children and supporting relevant legislation. - He represents …
2:22:29
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170 sec
Ibrahim Javier Johnson, Veteran, on His Experience at the Bellevue Homeless Shelter and Support for Proposed Legislation
Ibrahim Javier Johnson, a veteran who occasionally experiences homelessness, shares his positive experience at the Bellevue homeless shelter, where he was treated well as a single man. However, he recounts …
2:25:51
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130 sec
Sharon Brown, Member of the Public, on Providing Immediate Housing Assistance to Shelter Residents
Sharon Brown, a member of the public, suggests providing immediate housing assistance to shelter residents who are financially stable but facing issues like landlord disputes. - She proposes shelter staff …
2:28:08
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148 sec
