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Council member questions OASO director on shelter eviction policy for immigrant families
1:10:56
ยท
159 sec
Council Member Shahana Hanif questions OASO Director Molly Schaefer about the implementation and potential expansion of the policy change regarding shelter evictions for newly arrived families with children. Schaefer confirms the policy is in place but lacks specific data on its impact.
- Hanif expresses disappointment in the lack of prepared data
- Discussion of potential expansion to include families with children in early childhood education
- Hanif argues that shelter evictions are cruel and fiscally counterproductive
Shahana Hanif
1:10:56
Thank you, chair, and good morning, commissioner.
1:11:01
In November, we were pleased that the administration announced a partial rollback of the sixty day shelter evictions of newly arrived families with children in grades k through six.
1:11:12
And at a previous hearing of this committee, the administration testified that this would minimize educational disruptions and save millions on related expenses, including school busing.
1:11:26
Can you provide an update on the implementation of this policy change?
Molly Schaefer
1:11:31
We implemented it.
1:11:34
So it is currently what is happening at our sites.
1:11:37
So families who have a younger kid who's K through six after their first sixty day process, if they come back and they ask for another sixty day placement, they do not have to move before the end of that sixty day placement.
1:11:54
They do not have to move.
Shahana Hanif
1:11:55
And could you provide the data on the amount of shelter evictions that have taken place since the policy change took place and how that compares to relevant data prior to the policy change?
Molly Schaefer
1:12:07
I would have to get back to you on any sixty day notice data.
1:12:13
And why is that?
1:12:14
Because I don't have it at my fingertips, but I'm happy to send you that information.
Shahana Hanif
1:12:19
I wish you came prepared.
1:12:20
I mean, this is such a big deal in our city.
1:12:24
Given the success according to the administration of this policy change, the administration is considering expanding this rule to families with children in early childhood education seats, including oh is the administration considering expansion in pre k, three k, head start, and promise NYC?
Molly Schaefer
1:12:45
Yes, we are looking at all possible options for our sixty day notice policy.
Shahana Hanif
1:12:50
Is the administration considering ending the requirement for families with children in grades k through six to be evicted from their first shelter placement after sixty days before receiving a less precarious shelter placement?
Molly Schaefer
1:13:04
As mentioned, we're looking everything related to our sixty day notice policy.
Shahana Hanif
1:13:09
Well, ask these questions because it's becoming increasingly clear that shelter evictions are not only cruel but fiscally counterproductive.
1:13:17
In this new phase where the number of incoming new arrivals has significantly increased, we must end the inhumane emergency policies that have stained our city's reputation as a hub for immigrant rights over the past years.