New York City Council
Committee on General Welfare
Jan 27, 2025
·
10:00 AM
2 hr 27 min
Summary
A hearing on the administration of the CityFHEPS voucher program, exploring its effectiveness in addressing homelessness and housing instability in New York City.
Discussions focused on:
- Application processes
- Delays in processing
- Landlord engagement
- Recommendations for improvement
Features testimony from the Department of Social Services (DSS), Human Resources Administration (HRA), and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Council Member Diana Ayala's opening remarks on CityFHEPS voucher program oversight hearing
Council Member Diana Ayala, deputy speaker of the New York City Council and chair of the General Welfare Committee, opens the oversight hearing on the administration of the CityFHEPS voucher …
0:00:31
·
161 sec
Introduction and overview of the CityFHEPS program
Commissioner Molly Wasow Park introduces CityFHEPS (City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement) as a vital tool in promoting housing stability for New Yorkers. She explains its role in helping …
0:04:11
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74 sec
CityFHEPS and homelessness prevention through Home-Base
Commissioner Park explains how CityFHEPS plays a crucial role in preventing homelessness for at-risk New Yorkers. She introduces the Home-Base program as a key pathway for accessing CityFHEPS. - HRA …
0:05:26
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68 sec
Record-breaking performance of CityFHEPS in FY 2024
Commissioner Park highlights the exceptional performance of CityFHEPS in fiscal year 2024, setting new records for permanent housing placements from shelter. - DSS connected more than 18,500 households to subsidized …
0:06:35
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31 sec
Challenges in the New York City housing market
Commissioner Park addresses the significant challenges in the New York City housing market, particularly the historically low vacancy rates affecting affordable housing availability. - The overall New York City vacancy …
0:07:07
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33 sec
Innovations and improvements in CityFHEPS administration
Commissioner Park outlines various initiatives and improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the CityFHEPS program and address housing challenges. - Introduction of the Affordable Housing Services Program to create nearly …
0:07:41
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148 sec
CityFHEPS in the broader landscape of housing subsidies
Commissioner Park situates CityFHEPS within the larger context of housing subsidies available to New Yorkers, emphasizing the need for investment from other levels of government. - Other important subsidies include …
0:10:11
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64 sec
Important announcement: Medicaid recertification requirement
Commissioner Park concludes her testimony with an important announcement regarding Medicaid recertification, which will affect many voucher holders and constituents. - As of April 2025, households receiving Medicaid must recertify …
0:11:16
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36 sec
CityFHEPS application process for families in shelters and communities
Commissioner Molly Wasow Park explains the differences in the process for shelter residents versus those in the community, highlighting the role of caseworkers, housing specialists, and the automatic issuance of …
0:12:08
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168 sec
Monitoring shelter performance and housing exit metrics
Commissioner Molly Wasow Park explains the process of tracking shelter performance, particularly focusing on housing exit and subsidized exit metrics. - The department sets expectations and targets for subsidized placements, …
0:14:58
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86 sec
Strategies to support providers and hold them accountable
Chief Reesa Henderson outlines strategies implemented to support providers and ensure accountability in the CityFHEPS program. These initiatives aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of shelter services. - A …
0:16:24
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54 sec
New utility allowance system for CityFHEPS
Commissioner Molly Wasow Park explains the new utility allowance system for the CityFHEPS program, which adjusts the maximum payment standard based on the utilities a client is responsible for paying. …
0:17:22
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136 sec
Eligibility statistics for CityFHEPS vouchers
Commissioner Molly Wasow Park discusses the eligibility process and available statistics for CityFHEPS vouchers. The process is described as iterative and ongoing, making it difficult to provide specific ineligibility numbers. …
0:19:40
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97 sec
Adult Protective Services (APS) eligibility for CityFHEPS
Commissioner Molly Wasow Park explains the relationship between Adult Protective Services (APS) and CityFHEPS eligibility, highlighting the sensitivity of APS client information. - APS eligibility is one of the criteria …
0:21:21
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75 sec
Discussion on APS client data management and privacy concerns
Council Member Diana Ayala and Commissioner Molly Wasow Park engage in a discussion about APS client data management and associated privacy concerns. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between protecting …
0:22:36
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3 min
Discussion on tracking ineligibility for CityFHEPS vouchers
Council Member Alexa Avilés questions the lack of tracking for client ineligibility in the CityFHEPS voucher program. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park explains the agency's approach to eligibility and shopping letters, …
0:26:06
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167 sec
Concerns about client communication and data analysis in the CityFHEPS process
Council Member Alexa Avilés expresses concerns about client communication and data analysis in the CityFHEPS process. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park responds by explaining the agency's approach to monitoring and improving …
0:28:54
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3 min
Role of providers in case management and support for CityFHEPS clients
Reesa Henderson, Chief of Placements, explains the role of providers in case management and support for CityFHEPS clients. - Providers are expected to conduct intense case management and focus on …
0:32:15
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55 sec
Addressing concerns about delays in issuing shopping letters
Council Member Alexa Avilés raises concerns about delays in issuing shopping letters for CityFHEPS vouchers. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park responds by explaining the shopping letter issuance process and addressing potential …
0:33:11
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114 sec
Breakdown of automatic vs. manual shopping letter issuance and tracking metrics
Council Member Alexa Avilés inquires about the breakdown of automatic vs. manual shopping letter issuance and tracking metrics for manual assessments. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park provides details on the process …
0:35:05
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115 sec
Statistics on households exiting shelter to NYCHA
Commissioner Molly Wasow Park provides data on households exiting shelter to NYCHA. In the current fiscal year (FY24), 585 households have moved from shelter to NYCHA housing. - The commissioner …
0:37:02
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19 sec
Challenges in voucher utilization and the impact of the housing market
Commissioner Park discusses the complexities of voucher utilization, highlighting the challenges faced by voucher holders in finding suitable housing. - Approximately 10,000 households in shelter are currently searching for housing …
0:37:24
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80 sec
Addressing source of income discrimination and coordination with the Office of Income Discrimination
Commissioner Park discusses the agency's efforts to combat source of income discrimination and their collaboration with the Commission on Human Rights. - The agency actively reports cases of income discrimination …
0:38:44
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48 sec
Statistics on CityFHEPS voucher usage for permanent housing
Commissioner Park provides detailed statistics on households using CityFHEPS vouchers to move into permanent housing. - In FY24, 13,400 households leased up using CityFHEPS vouchers, including both community and shelter …
0:39:34
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62 sec
Processing times and challenges in CityFHEPS voucher implementation
Commissioner Park discusses the average processing time for CityFHEPS vouchers and the challenges faced in implementing the program efficiently. - The average time from package submission to move-out is about …
0:40:36
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165 sec
Implementation of the month hold policy for apartments under review
Commissioner Park explains the current implementation of the month hold policy for apartments under CityFHEPS review. - The agency is paying the unit hold as a matter of course for …
0:43:23
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59 sec
Progress on electronic payment implementation for landlords
Commissioner Park provides an update on the implementation of electronic payments for landlords participating in the CityFHEPS program. - Currently, 1,500 landlords are receiving electronic fund transfers (EFT), an increase …
0:44:22
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137 sec
CityFHEPS voucher renewal process and termination rates
Commissioner Park discusses the renewal rates for CityFHEPS vouchers and the agency's efforts to improve the renewal process. - About 90% of tenants renew their vouchers every year, which has …
0:46:45
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6 min
CityFHEPS voucher extensions beyond the 5-year cap
Commissioner Park explains the process for extending CityFHEPS vouchers beyond the initial 5-year period and discusses the agency's approach to long-term housing assistance. - The extension rate at year 6 …
0:52:58
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4 min
Affordable Housing Services Program: A new approach to creating deeply affordable housing
Commissioner Park introduces the Affordable Housing Services Program as an innovative solution for creating long-term, deeply affordable housing using CityFHEPS vouchers. - The program converts CityFHEPS into a project-based rental …
0:57:19
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152 sec
Referral distribution of CityFHEPS users: Shelter vs. community
Commissioner Park provides information on the distribution of CityFHEPS voucher users between those referred from shelters and those from the community. - Approximately two-thirds of new CityFHEPS voucher users each …
0:59:56
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29 sec
Current and projected spending for CityFHEPS vouchers
Commissioner Park provides details on the current spending and budget projections for the CityFHEPS voucher program. - Through December, $578 million has been spent on CityFHEPS in the current fiscal …
1:00:28
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129 sec
Testimony by Noam Weinberg on CityFHEPS Voucher Program Challenges
Noam Weinberg, a resident of a Brooklyn homeless shelter, testified about the challenges faced by individuals trying to use CityFHEPS vouchers to secure housing. He highlighted long waiting times, discrimination …
1:05:02
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164 sec
Testimony by Elizabeth Mackey, CityFHEPS Voucher Holder
Elizabeth Mackey, a current CityFHEPS voucher holder, shares her personal experience with the shelter system and the challenges of finding housing even after receiving a voucher. She highlights issues with …
1:07:55
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4 min
Council member suggests reporting issues to 311
Council Member Diana Ayala advises Elizabeth Mackey to call 311 and report the issues with her apartment. Mackey confirms that she has already done so.
1:12:34
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13 sec
Council member addresses landlord threats and tenant harassment
Council Member Diana Ayala responds to Elizabeth Mackey's concern about her landlord threatening her for reporting issues. Ayala informs Mackey that such behavior is illegal and can be reported as …
1:12:52
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8 sec
Testimony by Germaine Delaney, Member of the Public, on CityFHEPS Voucher Program Experience
Germaine Delaney shares her personal experiences with the CityFHEPS voucher program, highlighting the challenges and inefficiencies she encountered over the past decade. She discusses issues with voucher transfers, landlord participation, …
1:13:01
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4 min
Council member inquires about apartment inspection process for CityFHEPS voucher recipients
Council Member Diana Ayala questions Germaine Delaney about whether anyone from the shelter inspected her apartment before she moved in using a CityFHEPS voucher. Delaney reveals that no inspection took …
1:17:33
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59 sec
Testimony by Diana Ramos, CityFHEPS Voucher Holder, on Issues with the CityFHEPS Program
Diana Ramos, a CityFHEPS voucher holder, testifies about the numerous challenges she faces with the program, including lack of information, poor living conditions, and difficulties in transferring to a new …
1:18:35
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4 min
Elizabeth Mackey expands on her experience with the CityFHEPS voucher program
Ms. Mackey highlights issues with apartment inspections, paperwork processing, communication between agencies, and interactions with landlords. - Ms. Mackey describes problems with apartment inspections, including issues with heat and windows …
1:23:22
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4 min
Council members ask about CityFHEPS housing issues
The discussion touches on issues such as apartment conditions, move-in delays, and the need for clearer information for clients. - Elizabeth Mackey shares that she didn't have a walk-through of …
1:28:20
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62 sec
Testimony by Robert Desir, Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Society
Robert Desir, representing the Legal Aid Society, testified about the shortcomings of the CityFHEPS program and proposed improvements. He emphasized that despite good intentions, the program has not lived up …
1:30:12
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3 min
Testimony by Timothy Pena, Founder of Veterans Justice Project, on Veterans Housing and Voucher Programs
Timothy Pena, a veteran and founder of Veterans Justice Project, testified about the challenges faced by homeless veterans in New York City, particularly regarding housing vouchers and shelter conditions. He …
1:33:37
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5 min
Testimony by William Botchway, Legal Advocate of the Housing Defense Team at Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem
William Botchway, a legal advocate from the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, testified about systemic delays and inefficiencies in the CityFHEPS program. He shared client stories highlighting the negative impacts …
1:39:41
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3 min
Testimony by Graham Horn, Staff Attorney at New York Legal Assistance Group on CityFHEPS Voucher Program
Graham Horn, a staff attorney at New York Legal Assistance Group, provides testimony on the challenges and needed improvements in the CityFHEPS voucher program. He highlights issues with the shelter …
1:42:51
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144 sec
Testimony by Helen Strom, Safety Net Project at Urban Justice Center
Helen Strom from the Urban Justice Center's Safety Net Project testified about the urgent need to implement CityFHEPS expansion laws and highlighted significant issues with the program's administration. She criticized …
1:46:09
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3 min
Testimony by Chris Mann, Assistant Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at WIN (Women in Need)
Chris Mann from WIN (Women in Need) testified about the challenges and potential improvements for the CityFHEPS voucher program. He highlighted administrative inefficiencies, outdated systems, and the need for expanded …
1:49:53
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179 sec
Testimony by Kate Goldmann, Housing and Planning Analyst from Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY)
Kate Goldmann, representing the Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY), testified on the administration of the CityFHEPS rental assistance program. She highlighted the program's flaws and proposed legislative fixes …
1:52:56
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154 sec
Testimony by Eric Lee, Director of Public Policy at Volunteers of America Greater New York (VOA-GNY) on CityFHEPS and Street to Home Pilot Program
Eric Lee from Volunteers of America Greater New York (VOA-GNY) testified about their successful Street to Home pilot program, which utilized CityFHEPS vouchers to quickly place unsheltered individuals into permanent …
1:55:34
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159 sec
Testimony by Gina Cappuccitti, Senior Director of Housing Access and Stability Services at New Destiny Housing, on CityFHEPS Program
Gina Cappuccitti from New Destiny Housing testified on the CityFHEPS program, highlighting its issues and recommending improvements to better serve domestic violence survivors and prevent homelessness. She emphasized the need …
1:59:11
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3 min
Testimony by Steve Behar on CityFHEPS Voucher Program Challenges
Steve Behar, an attorney with extensive experience in government, testifies about his frustrating two-year effort to help a friend named Jane, who has been living in a shelter for nearly …
2:02:37
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4 min
Testimony by Juan Diaz, Policy Associate at Citizens Committee For Children (CCC)
Juan Diaz, representing the Citizens Committee For Children (CCC), testified on the importance of CityFHEPS vouchers and the need for improvements in the program's administration. He highlighted the challenges faced …
2:07:46
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3 min
Testimony by Laura Lazarus, Co-Founder and CEO of Anthos Home
Laura Lazarus, Co-Founder and CEO of Anthos Home, testified about improving housing outcomes for New Yorkers using housing vouchers. She described Anthos Home's model for helping voucher holders secure housing …
2:11:09
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4 min
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Member of the Public, on CityFHEPS and Nonprofit Organizations
Christopher Leon Johnson provides critical testimony on the CityFHEPS voucher program and the involvement of nonprofit organizations in its administration. He expresses support for CityFHEPS but calls for significant changes …
2:15:45
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131 sec
Testimony by Reverend Dr. Terry Troia, President of Project Hospitality, on CityFHEPS and Homelessness in Staten Island
Reverend Dr. Terry Troia, President of Project Hospitality, testified about the importance of the CityFHEPS voucher program and the challenges faced by homeless individuals in Staten Island. She expressed gratitude …
2:18:48
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146 sec
Testimony by Amy Blumsack, Director of Organizing and Policy at Neighbors Together, on CityFHEPS Administration
Amy Blumsack, representing Neighbors Together, provided testimony on the administration of the CityFHEPS voucher program. She highlighted significant issues with the program, including delays, administrative barriers, and a lack of …
2:21:37
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5 min