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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Eviction protections and policies in the PACT program
0:52:06
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Sohoni addresses concerns about evictions in PACT sites, detailing the protections and policies in place to prevent displacement and keep residents housed.
- Explains that all authorized residents are offered new leases at conversion, regardless of back rent owed
- Describes proactive outreach and support from on-site social service coordinators
- Emphasizes that eviction is a last resort and closely monitored by NYCHA
- Highlights that Section 8 lease agreements under PACT automatically renew yearly and can only be terminated for good cause
- States that eviction rates at PACT developments are lower than the citywide rate
Arvind Sohoni
0:52:06
Since we know it's important to the committee, I also wanna provide some additional information and context on evictions at PACT sites.
0:52:12
The PACT program, in accordance with federal rules and regulations provides strong anti displacement protections for residents.
0:52:19
At the time of conversion to project based section eight, all authorized residents are offered a new lease regardless of whether they owe back rent.
0:52:27
We also require PAC partners to work with on-site social service coordinators to conduct proactive outreach to help connect families with resources which can include access to public benefits or setting up payment installment plans.
0:52:39
PAC partners must take every effort to avoid bringing a lease issue to housing court, and the housing authority closely monitors those outreach efforts.
0:52:46
Eviction is always a measure of last resort after all their methods to resolve tenant issues have been exhausted.
0:52:52
Section eight lease agreements under PACT automatically renew every year and cannot be terminated except for good cause, which includes criminal activity and nonpayment.
0:53:01
Residents can continue to add people to their household, and permanent members will continue to have succession rights.
0:53:06
We believe in the power of affordable housing to stabilize and support communities and provide a pathway to opportunity.
0:53:11
And our goal of the housing authority is to keep residents housed.
0:53:14
As a result, eviction rates are very low across the housing authority sites, including PAC developments, lower than the citywide rate.
0:53:23
Transparency and accountability are core values that drive our work.