Q&A
Challenges with donating items to veteran shelters
1:05:44
ยท
150 sec
Council Member Holden raises concerns about the bureaucratic process required for donating items to veteran shelters, particularly the need for donors to sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). Associate Commissioner Russell explains the rationale behind these policies.
- A new policy implemented in September 2024 requires donors to sign NDAs before entering shelters
- The policy aims to protect the privacy and confidentiality of shelter residents
- Council members express frustration with the additional bureaucracy, especially for veterans trying to help other veterans
- DHS acknowledges the need to balance appreciation for donations with the need to protect client privacy
- There's a discussion about improving communication and potentially streamlining the process for well-intentioned donors
Robert F. Holden
1:05:44
Yeah.
1:05:46
Associate Commissioner, I just want to put one more thing out there.
1:05:50
We wanted to donate items.
1:05:53
And you know what I'm gonna say.
Sonya Russell
1:05:54
I do, sir.
1:05:55
I do.
Robert F. Holden
1:05:56
We wanted to donate items, but we had to fill out Everybody going in there had to fill out just, you know, disclaim what do they call it?
1:06:02
Disclaimers?
Sonya Russell
1:06:02
NDAs.
1:06:03
They're non disclosure agreements.
1:06:05
So, yes.
1:06:06
And I I first, I wanna say that I appreciate you and city council and those that come into board and to provide donations.
1:06:12
We are very appreciative.
1:06:14
However, we do have a policy and again as commissioner Jain Hendon pointed out, it's for the safety and confidentiality of those that are in shelter.
1:06:24
So to the extent that, you know, we can, we wanna be able to
Robert F. Holden
1:06:29
I know, but you see, to veterans, because these were veterans who were collecting for veterans, and they felt, wow, you know, like I have to fill out all these forms and, you know, and I I don't I just, you know, I I don't disagree with them, that they were trying to do just do something, give, and then they put up the bureaucratic stuff
Alex Stein
1:06:48
And it's unfair
James Hendon
1:06:49
to in front of them.
Robert F. Holden
1:06:50
No, just And I'd just like to know what happened.
1:06:53
Like, we The year before, we didn't have to do that.
1:06:56
Now we have to.
1:06:57
Is that the lawyers getting involved, I guess, or, you know, like, it happens or
Sonya Russell
1:07:02
wow.
1:07:02
So this was a policy that came about September I wanna say September 2024.
1:07:08
So this was around the time in which you, yourself, as well as FDNY came into Borden.
1:07:14
So we we don't wanna make it a pugilistic or, you know, come across as if though we are preventing those or adding additional layers of bureaucracy.
1:07:24
But we have first most, you know, privacy for our clients.
1:07:28
Hence why we asked that these NDAs be signed in advance.
1:07:33
And I even offered to meet with those entities that wanted to come in to explain it to them so that they did not feel as if though we did not appreciate what they were doing because we do.
1:07:43
ICL as well as DHS, DSS are very appreciative of those that
Robert F. Holden
1:07:48
support us.
1:07:48
So you see how the miscommunications could
Sonya Russell
1:07:50
Yes.
Robert F. Holden
1:07:50
Because when you go there and they, well, you gotta fill out this.
1:07:52
Here's some paperwork to fill out before you we take your items.
1:07:56
You know, it's like almost like a kick in the head.
1:07:58
So, you know, just especially for veterans.
Sonya Russell
1:08:00
I understand.
Robert F. Holden
1:08:01
You know, because veterans are trying to help veterans and and that's where I think sometimes bend a
James Hendon
1:08:06
little, you
Robert F. Holden
1:08:06
know.
1:08:06
And do do you wanna mention something?
Vickie Paladino
1:08:09
I agree with you a %.
Robert F. Holden
1:08:10
Alright.
1:08:11
Because I
James Hendon
1:08:11
heard you No.
Robert F. Holden
1:08:12
In the background.
1:08:13
Yeah.