PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Graham Horn, Staff Attorney at New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), on Shelter Oversight and Conditions
2:53:04
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150 sec
Graham Horn from NYLAG testifies about the inadequate oversight of NYC's shelter system, highlighting poor conditions, hostile staff behavior, and lack of accountability. He emphasizes the need for stronger oversight mechanisms and suggests creating an independent agency to handle complaints.
- Describes "abysmal" physical conditions in shelters, including dirty bedding and pest infestations
- Reports on aggressive treatment of shelter seekers at intake centers, deterring some from accessing services
- Suggests establishing a CCRB-style independent agency to investigate and address shelter resident complaints
Graham Horn
2:53:04
Good afternoon.
2:53:04
Thank you for holding this oversight hearing and for the opportunity to speak with you all today.
2:53:08
My name is Graham Horn.
2:53:09
I'm a staff attorney with Economic Stability Project in New York Legal Assistance Group.
2:53:17
The city fails to provide adequate oversight of its shelter system in numerous ways as we have has has been highlighted today in testimony.
2:53:26
I will bring attention to the fact that there is no clear effective process to investigate and resolve shelter residents' complaints, whether they concern city run shelters or those operated by nonprofit organizations under contract with the city.
2:53:40
This lack of oversight has led to excessive deference to shelter providers, often at the expense of our clients' rights.
2:53:47
The city must implement stronger oversight mechanisms and ensure that shelter providers are held accountable.
2:53:54
The physical conditions in many city shelters are quite simply abysmal.
2:53:58
Clients frequently report filthy environments, including being provided with beds that lack sheets or have dirty sheets previously used by other occupants, Infestations of roaches, mice, even rats are widespread.
2:54:10
In some cases, clients, doctors, and social workers contact us to report severe medical issues caused by these conditions, including rodent bites and chewed medical equipment tubing and wiring.
2:54:21
Conditions in the new shelters created exclusively for newly arrived immigrants are even worse.
2:54:26
NILAC clients routinely report, negative and harmful experiences with staff at intake centers and shelters.
2:54:34
Clients report particularly aggressive treatment at shelter intake sites.
2:54:39
Many of my clients remain street homeless not because they refuse to seek shelter, but because they are unable to navigate the difficult and hostile intake process.
2:54:47
Some believe they were denied shelter because security guards or front desk staff told them they were ineligible before they could even apply.
2:54:55
Once in shelter, many clients continue to face hostile and aggressive behavior from staff.
2:54:59
This is especially for harmful for clients living with severe mental illnesses, which can make adhering to rigid shelter rules particularly challenging.
2:55:09
Okay.
2:55:10
I will follow-up.
Gale A. Brewer
2:55:11
Just wrap up.
2:55:12
Okay.
Graham Horn
2:55:12
Thank you.
2:55:12
Clients frequent report of thefts committed by shelter staff reveal the extent to which oversight and accountability are absent in the shitty shelters.
2:55:19
This could possibly be accomplished through a CCRB style organization, independent agency empowered to receive, investigate, make findings, and recommend action on complaints.
2:55:27
Thank you all, and thank you especially chair Juan for, and cosponsors for your efforts to improve provision of food in city shelters.
