Q&A
Follow-up on DHS sites and future distribution plans
2:23:41
·
58 sec
Council Member Julie Won seeks clarification on the status of DHS sites and future plans for equal distribution of shelters. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park provides additional information on the administration's commitment to equitable shelter distribution.
- Park confirms that the recently published list of closures primarily included non-DHS sites
- The commissioner reiterates the commitment to siting shelters across all city districts
- Park acknowledges that the asylum seeker crisis caused some deviation from the equal distribution policy
Julie Won
2:23:41
So for those of us who have primarily DHS sites, then we could rush to assure most likely those will not be closing.
Molly Wasow Park
2:23:50
The list that was published last week was specifically non DHS sites.
2:23:55
We will we, DHS, will be the long term sheltering agency for the city.
2:23:59
But as I say, I I I would prefer not to be using hotels in anywhere close to the same level that we are right now.
2:24:06
So as we are able to cite shelters going forward, that that is something that we will look to change.
Julie Won
2:24:12
And so you will be looking to have equal distribution, not concentration in black and brown neighborhoods for all these shelters?
Molly Wasow Park
2:24:18
This has been a a clear policy from the start of the administration.
2:24:22
I would say that the the asylum seeker crisis, certainly caused some deviation from that.
2:24:28
We'll fully acknowledge that we we had to take advantage of the hotel real estate where it existed, but we have been committed to siting shelters in in districts across the city, and we remain so.
