New York City Council
Committee on General Welfare
Feb 12, 2025
·
10:00 AM
1 hr 51 min
Summary
A hearing on the HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) program, examining its performance and challenges in providing housing, case management, and other critical services to low-income New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.
Discussions focused on:
- Case worker-to-client ratios
- Delays in processing benefits
- High vacancy rates in supportive housing
- Outdated allowances
- The impact of recent Social Security COLA increases on long-term clients
The hearing also addressed a pre-considered bill to codify HASA eligibility expansion.
Features testimony from the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), 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 HASA oversight hearing
Council Member Diana Ayala, as deputy speaker and chair of the General Welfare Committee, delivers opening remarks for an oversight hearing on the HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA) program. She outlines …
0:00:30
·
174 sec
Council Member Schulman's opening remarks on HASA and HIV/AIDS services
Council Member Lynn C. Schulman, chair of the NYC Council's Committee on Health, delivers opening remarks for a hearing on HASA (HIV/AIDS Services Administration) and introduces related legislation. She emphasizes …
0:03:25
·
162 sec
Introduction and overview of HASA
John Rojas, Chief Special Services Officer at NYC Human Resources Administration, introduces himself and provides an overview of the HIV/AIDS Services Administration (HASA). He outlines the purpose of the testimony …
0:07:02
·
41 sec
History and evolution of HASA since 1985
John Rojas provides a historical overview of HASA, tracing its origins and evolution since 1985. He highlights the significant changes in the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the city's response over the …
0:07:44
·
67 sec
Current services provided by HASA and eligibility criteria
John Rojas outlines the comprehensive range of services provided by HASA to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, as well as the eligibility criteria for these services. - HASA provides vital assistance …
0:08:52
·
51 sec
Housing options and assistance provided by HASA
John Rojas details the various housing options and assistance programs offered by HASA to support individuals living with HIV/AIDS. - HASA offers temporary housing, supportive housing, and rental assistance - …
0:09:44
·
111 sec
Research findings on HASA effectiveness and progress in HIV care
John Rojas presents research findings from the Community Health Advisory and Information Network (CHAIN) and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, highlighting the effectiveness of HASA services and …
0:11:35
·
151 sec
Discussion of pre-considered introduction T2025-3096 (HASA for All)
John Rojas discusses the pre-considered introduction T2025-3096, also known as 'HASA for All,' which aims to codify HASA eligibility expansion in local law. - In 2016, HASA expanded eligibility to …
0:14:08
·
43 sec
Ongoing challenges and disparities in HIV diagnoses
John Rojas highlights the persistent challenges and disparities in HIV diagnoses, particularly among Black and Latino New Yorkers. - In 2023, 1,686 people were diagnosed with HIV in New York …
0:14:51
·
28 sec
HASA recruitment and staff retention efforts
John Rojas outlines HASA's efforts to recruit and retain staff, addressing the challenges in maintaining adequate staffing levels. - HASA has pursued recruitment and staff retention efforts vigorously - Attended …
0:15:20
·
83 sec
Team-oriented case management approach
John Rojas describes HASA's focus on fostering a team-oriented case management approach to support clients effectively. - HASA has implemented a collaborative case management approach - This approach supports clients …
0:16:43
·
28 sec
Recognition of stakeholders in HIV/AIDS services
John Rojas concludes his testimony by acknowledging the various stakeholders involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS and HASA's work. - Recognizes the resilience, partnership, and leadership of people living with …
0:17:11
·
28 sec
HASA recruitment video presentation
The testimony concludes with the presentation of a HASA recruitment video, featuring a caseworker sharing their experience working for the organization. - Video encourages viewers to consider a job with …
0:17:55
·
136 sec
HASA application and eligibility process explained
This chapter covers the HASA (HIV/AIDS Services Administration) application and eligibility process. John Rojas, Chief Special Services Officer, explains that to enroll in HASA, individuals must provide proof of HIV …
0:20:38
·
103 sec
HASA caseloads and staffing challenges
This chapter discusses the current caseload situation at HASA and efforts to address staffing shortages. John Rojas reveals that the average caseload is about 48 to one, which is higher …
0:22:22
·
27 sec
HASA outreach efforts and referral sources
This chapter covers HASA's outreach efforts and primary referral sources. Jacqueline Dudley, Deputy Commissioner, explains that HASA provides information about the program on their public-facing website and through an advisory …
0:22:49
·
169 sec
Supporting older adults with HIV/AIDS in HASA programs
This chapter discusses how HASA supports the specific needs of older adults living with HIV/AIDS. John Rojas explains that HASA ensures clients access comprehensive medical care, addressing both HIV and …
0:25:40
·
4 min
HASA transportation and nutritional allowances
This chapter discusses the current transportation and nutritional allowance provided to HASA clients. John Rojas reveals that the allowance is $158 per month and has not changed since its inception …
0:30:08
·
83 sec
HASA staffing challenges and recent hiring efforts
This chapter covers HASA's recent efforts to address staffing challenges and meet required case ratios. John Rojas explains that HASA has hired 46 new caseworkers between July 2023 and December …
0:31:31
·
5 min
HASA supportive housing and temporary housing statistics
This chapter discusses HASA's current supportive housing and temporary housing statistics. John Rojas and Jacqueline Dudley provide information on the number of clients in temporary housing, the average length of …
0:36:32
·
3 min
HASA budget and funding sources
This chapter covers HASA's budget for fiscal year 2025 and the breakdown of funding sources. Council Member Ayala notes that HASA's budget is currently almost $300 million, with about 50% …
0:39:56
·
74 sec
HASA case closures and eligibility issues
This chapter discusses recent HASA case closures and eligibility issues. Jacqueline Dudley explains that 44 cases were listed as ineligible due to insufficient documentation of HIV status. She emphasizes that …
0:41:14
·
63 sec
HASA recertification process and case closures
This chapter covers the HASA recertification process and reasons for case closures. Jacqueline Dudley explains that HASA does not have automatic case closings for failure to recertify. The program sends …
0:42:18
·
151 sec
HASA outreach efforts and collaboration with public engagement unit
Council Member Schulman inquires about HASA's outreach efforts, particularly their collaboration with the city's public engagement unit. John Rojas confirms that HASA works with PEU and describes additional outreach efforts: …
0:44:49
·
65 sec
Increase in HIV/AIDS cases and potential reasons
Council Member Schulman asks about the reasons for the increase in HIV/AIDS cases. Sarah Braunstein from DOHMH responds: - There was a 7.6% increase in new HIV diagnoses between 2022 …
0:45:54
·
81 sec
DOHMH data collection and investigation methods for HIV/AIDS cases
Council Member Schulman inquires about DOHMH's methods for collecting data and investigating HIV/AIDS cases. Sarah Braunstein explains the process: - DOHMH receives electronically reported HIV-related laboratory tests - A robust …
0:47:15
·
174 sec
Explanation of HIV diagnoses increase vs. new infections decrease
Council Member Schulman asks about the 7.6% increase in HIV diagnoses but 17% decrease in new HIV infections. Sarah Braunstein explains the divergence: - HIV diagnoses are actual first positive …
0:50:11
·
130 sec
Addressing racial and economic disparities in HIV/AIDS deaths
Council Member Schulman inquires about DOHMH's efforts to address the higher number of HIV/AIDS deaths among Black and Latino/Hispanic New Yorkers in medium to very high poverty areas. Sarah Braunstein …
0:52:21
·
57 sec
Ryan White HIV/AIDS program housing support statistics
Council Member Schulman asks about the number of supportive housing units available under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program. Sarah Braunstein provides data on the program's reach: - In grant year …
0:53:19
·
49 sec
Potential federal funding cuts and contingency planning
Council Member Schulman expresses concern about potential cuts to federal funding for HIV/AIDS programs and asks about DOHMH's contingency plans. Sarah Braunstein responds: - DOHMH acknowledges that their critical work …
0:54:08
·
58 sec
DOHMH programs for older New Yorkers with HIV/AIDS
Council Member Schulman inquires about DOHMH HIV/AIDS programs or services geared towards older New Yorkers. Sarah Braunstein outlines their efforts: - DOHMH has partnerships funded through the Ryan White Part …
0:55:08
·
36 sec
Collaboration between DOHMH and HRA/DSS on HIV/AIDS services
Council Member Schulman asks about the collaboration between DOHMH and HRA/DSS on HIV/AIDS services. Sarah Braunstein and John Rojas describe their joint efforts: - Robust collaboration exists since 2007 - …
0:55:44
·
4 min
Accessing HIV/AIDS services through 311
Council Member Schulman asks if people with HIV/AIDS in need of help can call 311 to get referred to services. John Rojas confirms: - People with HIV/AIDS can indeed call …
1:00:40
·
14 sec
Council Member Ariola inquires about potential federal funding cuts for HIV/AIDS programs
Council Member Joann Ariola inquires about potential federal funding cuts for HIV/AIDS programs, specifically asking DOHMH and HRA/DSS representatives if they have received any indications of defunding from the federal …
1:01:01
·
76 sec
Council Member Ayala questions HASA officials on program performance and budget
Council Member Diana Ayala engages in a Q&A session with HASA officials, focusing on the program's performance indicators, budget allocations, and housing services. The discussion covers delays in processing housing …
1:02:21
·
4 min
Testimony by Jack Boyle, Staff Attorney at Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, on HASA Rental Assistance Issues
Jack Boyle, a staff attorney from the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, testifies about issues with HASA's rental assistance program. He highlights bureaucratic failures, caseworker problems, and discrimination faced by …
1:09:51
·
3 min
Testimony by Daniel Leyva, Representative from Latino Commission on AIDS
Daniel Leyva, a person living with HIV since 1998 and a representative from the Latino Commission on AIDS, testifies in support of legislation introduced by Council Member Lynn Shulman. He …
1:14:04
·
140 sec
Testimony by Armen Merjian, Senior Staff Attorney at Housing Works
Armen Merjian, a senior staff attorney at Housing Works, provided testimony challenging the City Council's oversight of HASA (HIV/AIDS Services Administration). He criticized HASA's failure to meet legally mandated caseload …
1:16:28
·
5 min
Testimony by Joshua Elmore, Supervising Attorney of HIV/AIDS Representation Project at Legal Aid Society
Joshua Elmore, representing the Legal Aid Society's HIV/AIDS Representation Project, testified about the deteriorating quality of services provided by HASA (HIV/AIDS Services Administration). He highlighted issues with client access to …
1:22:00
·
4 min
Testimony by Tierra Labrada, Policy Director of Supportive Housing Network of New York
Tierra Labrada, Policy Director of the Supportive Housing Network of New York, testified about issues with HASA's supportive housing program, focusing on high vacancy rates and challenges in filling units. …
1:26:48
·
4 min
Testimony by Alex Clavering, Staff Attorney at Legal Services NYC
Alex Clavering, a staff attorney at Legal Services NYC, testifies about the importance of expanding HASA eligibility to all individuals with HIV and highlights significant issues with HASA's current operations, …
1:32:47
·
3 min
Testimony by Sarah Telson, Director of LGBTQ HIV Advocacy Unit at Brooklyn Legal Services
Sarah Telson from Brooklyn Legal Services testified about the challenges faced by HASA clients and the gaps in service delivery. She highlighted issues such as unresponsive caseworkers, long wait times …
1:36:42
·
3 min
Testimony by Terri Wilder, HIV/Aging Policy Advocate at SAGE
Terri Wilder, representing SAGE, presented testimony on issues faced by LGBTQ+ elders living with HIV who rely on HASA services. She highlighted several areas where HASA needs improvement, including communication, …
1:39:52
·
4 min
Testimony by Jason Cianciotto, Vice President of Public Policy and External Affairs at GMHC
Jason Cianciotto from GMHC testified in support of legislation to codify HASA eligibility and addressed challenges faced by HASA clients due to Social Security COLA increases. He advocated for increasing …
1:44:04
·
3 min
Testimony by Joe Hoff, Advocate
Joe Hoff, an advocate, testified on the need to expand HASA services and addressed discrimination against disabled veterans in the CityFEPS program. He urged for increased funding for HASA and …
1:47:36
·
155 sec