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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Adriana Beltran, Deputy Director of Woodside on the Move
3:52:10
ยท
159 sec
Adriana Beltran, Deputy Director of Woodside on the Move, testified about the challenges faced by community members in accessing critical benefits such as housing, Medicaid, and SNAP. She highlighted systematic inefficiencies in the application process and expressed support for Intro 1148, which would require DSS to provide receipts for benefit applications.
- Beltran has over a decade of experience assisting residents, particularly seniors, with benefit applications
- She described issues such as prolonged processing times, disorganized case management, and repeated document submissions
- Beltran provided an example of a senior client facing delays in receiving renewal applications from DSS
- She emphasized the importance of Intro 1148 in ensuring transparency and accountability in the application process
Adriana Beltran
3:52:10
Good afternoon.
3:52:12
Good good afternoon, chairperson and members of the committee.
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My name is Adriana Baltron.
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I serve as a deputy director, Woodside on the move.
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I have worked with Woodside OnTheMove for over a decade, and I have been serving with residents during my tenure with Woodside OnTheMove.
3:52:29
In my role, I oversee and manage all the programs including grants and contract management, insurance that the services are made for the community.
3:52:38
Through my years, I was on the move.
3:52:40
I had the privilege to of assisting countless community members, particularly seniors in applying for a critical benefit such as housing, Medicaid, and SNAP, programs that are essential to their daily well-being.
3:52:52
However, I have repeatedly witnessed systematic inefficiencies that create unnecessary barriers to assessing their services.
3:53:01
One of the most persistent challenges our clients face is the lack of a clear and consistent application process.
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Many applications are delayed due to the prolonged processing times or disorganized case management.
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Applicants frequently find timeless having to submit their documentations multiple times due to the loss or on track paperwork causing them undue stress and delaying the assistance that they deserve.
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For example, one of our longtime clients, a senior woman who has been serving receiving assistance for fourteen years relies on WARON to review to renew their screen and snap services.
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While she has benefited greatly from the services, she has expressed delays in receiving renewals applications from DSS leading to disruptions in her benefit.
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Fortunately, our case managers, I would say, on the move has been able to advocate on her behalf, ensuring she does not lose access to those critical resources.
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However, not all individuals have access to the advocacy and support she does, leaving many struggling through the system.
3:54:09
Intro 11/4048 a
Scott French
3:54:12
Thank you.
3:54:13
Time's expired.
Diana Ayala
3:54:15
You can you can wrap it up.
3:54:17
Oh, yeah.
Adriana Beltran
3:54:17
Okay.
3:54:18
And then start to step toward addressing the systematic issues by requiring DSS to provide a receipt for applications.
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This bill ensures transparency and accountability in the application process.
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A receipt will offer applicants clear documentation of their submission date and records of the materials received and guidance on completion of application.
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A simple yet crucial measure will prevent unnecessary delays, reduce stress for applicants, and provide access to essential services for the city's most valuable residents.
3:54:48
Thank you.
Diana Ayala
3:54:49
Thank you.