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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Robert Desir, Staff Attorney at Legal Aid Society, on Housing Connect Reforms
3:08:33
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113 sec
Robert Desir from the Legal Aid Society expresses strong support for Intros 1264, 1265, and 1266, which aim to improve the Housing Connect system and make affordable housing more accessible. He emphasizes how these bills address real barriers faced by New Yorkers, especially seniors and vulnerable residents.
- Intro 1264 would make the process more transparent by notifying applicants when matching units become available.
- Intro 1265 allows applicants to receive updates via email or text and designate a trusted representative.
- Intro 1266 requires HPD to provide weekly in-person housing assistance at local community centers, ensuring those who are not digitally connected can still access help.
Robert Desir
3:08:33
You may begin.
3:08:37
Hi.
3:08:38
Good afternoon.
3:08:39
My name is Robert Desir.
3:08:40
I am, speaking on behalf of the Legal Aid Society and speaking in strong support of intro +1 264, 12 60 5, and +1 266.
3:08:51
I wanna thank council member Sanchez and the committee for taking time to address these issues with care and urgency.
3:08:56
These bills reflect a deep understanding of the real barriers New Yorkers face, seniors and vulnerable residents that they face when they're trying to access truly affordable housing.
3:09:07
And the testimony that we've heard has been a testament to those experiences.
3:09:11
Intro twelve sixty four would makes the process more transparent and accountable by requiring that applicants be notified clearly and directly when a unit matching their preferences becomes available.
3:09:22
It shifts responsibility off the individual and puts it where it belongs on the system.
3:09:27
Intro twelve sixty five improves transparency and usability by allowing applicants to receive updates by email or text and to designate a trusted representative.
3:09:37
That's empowering.
3:09:38
A simple standardized consent form would ensure applicants understand and approve who has access to their information, helping prevent misuse while still allowing trusted support.
3:09:49
Intro twelve sixty six will make a real difference by requiring HPD to provide weekly in person housing help at local community centers.
3:09:56
This is a critical step towards ensuring that older adults and others who are not digitally connected aren't left behind.
3:10:03
At h as HPD designs its outreach program, it might be useful to prioritize high need areas within each district and ensure accessibility by public transit.
3:10:13
Together, these bills will create a more inclusive user friend user friendly and, just housing application process.
3:10:21
We urge their swift passage.
3:10:23
And, again, thank you council member Sanchez for leading on this.