Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
New York City Council
Committee on Finance
May 16, 2025
·
10:00 AM
5 hr 5 min
Summary
A hearing on the Department of Social Services (DSS) fiscal year 2026 executive budget, covering both the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and Department of Homeless Services (DHS).
Discussions focused on:
- Potential federal funding cuts to critical programs like SNAP and Medicaid
- Historically under-budgeted entitlement programs
- Implementation of prevailing wages for shelter security officers
- Proposed changes to the CityFHEPS housing voucher program
- Funding for food assistance programs
- Immigrant legal services
- Right to Counsel for tenants
- Shelter conditions and policies
- Support for domestic violence survivors.
Features testimony from DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park, HRA and DHS officials, and the public.
Meeting chapters
Read summaries and watch videos for short segments that matter to you.
Justin Brannan's opening remarks for FY 2026 DSS budget hearing
Council Member Justin Brannan, Chair of the Committee on Finance, delivers opening remarks for the FY 2026 executive budget hearing for the NYC Department of Social Services. He outlines the …
0:00:27
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4 min
Council Member Diana Ayala's opening remarks on the FY 2026 executive budget for Department of Social Services
Council Member Diana Ayala, chair of the general welfare committee, delivers opening remarks for the fiscal year 2026 executive budget hearing for the Department of Social Services. She outlines the …
0:04:48
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3 min
Introduction and welcome by Commissioner Molly Wasow Park
Commissioner Molly Wasow Park introduces herself and thanks the committee members for the opportunity to testify about the Department of Social Services' (DSS) fiscal year 2026 executive budget. She provides …
0:08:39
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56 sec
Overview of DSS structure and mission
Commissioner Park presents an overview of the Department of Social Services (DSS) structure and mission, highlighting its role as the largest municipal social services agency in the country. - DSS …
0:09:36
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64 sec
DSS/HRA budget overview for FY 2026
Commissioner Park provides an overview of the DSS/HRA budget for fiscal year 2026, detailing the agency's funding allocation and key programs. - DSS/HRA has a budget of $13.4 billion, including …
0:10:42
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165 sec
DHS budget overview for FY 2026
Commissioner Park presents an overview of the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) budget for fiscal year 2026, highlighting its funding allocation and key services. - DHS has a budget of …
0:13:30
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107 sec
Federal budget impact on DSS programs
Commissioner Park discusses the potential impact of proposed federal budget cuts on critical DSS programs and the New Yorkers they serve. - Current congressional proposals aim to cut $2 trillion …
0:15:21
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159 sec
SNAP program statistics and importance
Commissioner Park presents statistics on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and highlights its importance for New Yorkers. - SNAP caseload remains high with almost 1.8 million recipients - Over …
0:18:02
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46 sec
Cash assistance program overview
Commissioner Park provides an overview of the cash assistance program, including budget allocations and recipient statistics. - FY 2025 budget for cash assistance is $2.65 billion, supporting 596,000 recipients through …
0:18:49
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73 sec
Other key benefits: Medicaid, Fair Fares, and HEAP
Commissioner Park highlights other essential benefits provided by DSS/HRA, including Medicaid, Fair Fares, and HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program). - Medicaid: Automatic extensions have ended; clients must recertify to keep …
0:20:03
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55 sec
Homelessness and shelter services statistics
Commissioner Park provides an overview of the current state of homelessness in New York City and the shelter system's capacity. - As of May 2, the overall DHS census was …
0:21:00
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94 sec
Efforts to address street homelessness
Commissioner Park details the city's efforts to address street homelessness, focusing on low-barrier bed capacity and outreach programs. - 97% of people experiencing homelessness in NYC are sheltered; 3% are …
0:22:36
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89 sec
Housing assistance and homelessness prevention programs
Commissioner Park outlines the city's efforts in providing housing assistance and homelessness prevention services, highlighting key achievements and programs. - In calendar year 2024: - Over 10,200 households moved out …
0:24:09
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125 sec
CityFHEPS program changes and cost management
Commissioner Park explains the proposed changes to the CityFHEPS program and the rationale behind these adjustments to manage costs and ensure program sustainability. - CityFHEPS has grown to be the …
0:26:15
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127 sec
CRIB program for reducing babies born in shelter
Commissioner Park introduces the Creating Real Impact at Birth (CRIB) Pilot Program, aimed at reducing the number of babies born in shelter. - CRIB program is included in the recent …
0:28:26
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33 sec
Employment services and job placement initiatives
Commissioner Park highlights the agency's efforts in providing employment services and job placement initiatives to create economic stability for New Yorkers. - In calendar year 2024, HRA helped 15,577 clients …
0:29:03
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106 sec
Future plans for career services programming
Commissioner Park outlines the future plans for career services programming, focusing on the upcoming Pathways for Access to Careers and Employment (PACE) contracts. - PACE contracts begin in October 2025 …
0:30:51
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74 sec
Council Member Brannan inquires about federal funding cuts to social services
Council Member Brannan raises concerns about the threat of federal funding cuts to social services, particularly affecting the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and Human Resources Administration (HRA). He asks …
0:32:17
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60 sec
Commissioner Park expresses concerns about SNAP and Medicaid funding
Commissioner Molly Wasow Park expresses significant concerns about federal-level cuts, focusing on two main areas: cuts to benefits that directly affect clients and the impact on agencies. She highlights SNAP …
0:33:17
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52 sec
Commissioner Park discusses challenges of work requirements for benefits
Commissioner Park explains the complexities and challenges associated with implementing work requirements for benefits like SNAP. She emphasizes that successful workforce development requires significant thought and resources to support low-income …
0:34:10
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71 sec
Commissioner Park highlights inadequate funding for work requirement implementation
Commissioner Park emphasizes the significant disparity between the funding required for effective work requirement programs and the amount proposed by Congress. She explains that the proposed federal funding is inadequate …
0:35:22
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55 sec
Council Member Brannan inquires about preparation for potential cuts
Council Member Brannan asks Commissioner Park if they have received any notifications from state or federal authorities to prepare for cuts or eliminations to programs. Commissioner Park confirms that they …
0:36:17
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12 sec
Commissioner Park outlines outreach and education efforts regarding potential cuts
Commissioner Park details the extensive outreach and education efforts being undertaken by DSS to address potential funding cuts. These efforts involve engaging with various stakeholders to educate them about the …
0:36:31
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52 sec
Commissioner Park discusses internal contingency planning for potential cuts
Commissioner Park explains that DSS is engaged in internal contingency planning to prepare for potential funding cuts. While avoiding specifics, she emphasizes the challenging nature of the decisions that may …
0:37:22
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32 sec
Council Member Brannan questions Commissioner Park on DSS budgeting practices
Council Member Justin L. Brannan questions Commissioner Molly Wasow Park about the Department of Social Services' (DSS) budgeting practices, focusing on the historical under budgeting of major entitlement programs. Commissioner …
0:37:54
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157 sec
Justin Brannan questions implementation of Local Law 125 on prevailing wages for shelter security
Council Member Justin L. Brannan leads a Q&A session on the implementation of Local Law 125, which requires prevailing wages for security officers and fire guards in city-contracted shelters. He …
0:40:31
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3 min
Council Member Brannan questions Commissioner Park about HEAP funding and program closure
Council Member Justin L. Brannan inquires about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) funding in the executive plan and its premature closure in January. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park explains the …
0:43:48
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147 sec
Overview and metrics of the Subway Safety Plan
Council Member Brannan inquires about the Subway Safety Plan, its funding, and how DHS measures its success. Commissioner Park explains the three primary metrics used to track progress on unsheltered …
0:46:15
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3 min
Budget for outreach at end-of-line stations
Council Member Brannan inquires about the budget for outreach at end-of-line stations, specifically mentioning Stillwell Avenue and 95th Street in Bay Ridge and Coney Island. Commissioner Park provides details on …
0:49:38
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52 sec
Statistics on referrals and shelter placements from the Subway Safety Plan
Council Member Brannan requests specific numbers on how many people were helped through the Subway Safety Plan. Commissioner Park provides the following statistics for FY '24: - 13,578 referrals to …
0:50:31
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82 sec
Context of unsheltered homelessness in New York City
Commissioner Park provides context for unsheltered homelessness in New York City, emphasizing several key points: - 97% of people experiencing homelessness in NYC are sheltered - Those on the streets …
0:51:55
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107 sec
Discussion on DHS's role in involuntary commitment
Council Member Cabán inquires about the Department of Homeless Services' (DHS) role in involuntary commitment, particularly in light of recent changes in state budget resolutions. - Cabán expresses concern about …
0:54:11
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98 sec
Inquiry into new legal standard for involuntary commitment
Council Member Cabán presses for information on how the new state legal standard for involuntary commitment affects DHS policies and practices. - Cabán asks specifically about changes in policies and …
0:55:50
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74 sec
Council Member Cabán expresses concerns about involuntary commitment policies
Council Member Cabán articulates her worries about the potential overuse of involuntary commitment and its impact on vulnerable individuals. - Cabán questions how the new legal standard affects clinicians' decision-making …
0:57:05
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165 sec
Commissioner's response to concerns about involuntary commitment
Commissioner Park addresses Council Member Cabán's concerns about involuntary commitment policies and provides some requested information. - Park asserts that DHS does not intend to manufacture situations for involuntary commitment …
0:59:50
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102 sec
Council Member Ayala questions Commissioner Park about shelter funding in the budget
Council Member Diana I. Ayala inquires about the additional funding for non-asylum seekers shelter costs in the fiscal year 2025 budget and the lack of similar funding for fiscal year …
1:01:37
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115 sec
Council Member Ayala questions Commissioner Park on DHS budget and shelter census
Council Member Diana I. Ayala engages in a Q&A session with DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park regarding the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) budget and shelter census. They discuss the …
1:03:33
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5 min
Council Member Ayala questions Commissioner Park about decrease in non-asylum seeker shelter population
Council Member Diana I. Ayala inquires about a recent decrease in the non-asylum seeker population in DHS shelters and the reasons behind it. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park and Administrator Jocelyn …
1:08:37
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143 sec
Discussion on the Enhanced Client Placement Support program
Council Member Diana I. Ayala inquires about the Enhanced Client Placement Support program announced by DHS, expressing concerns about potential increased street homelessness. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park and Administrator Jocelyn …
1:11:01
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4 min
Budget inquiry for the Enhanced Client Placement Support program
Council Member Diana I. Ayala presses for specific budget information related to the Enhanced Client Placement Support program. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park is unable to provide immediate budget figures.
1:15:44
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27 sec
Council Member Ayala inquires about shelter eviction policies and gross misconduct
Council Member Diana I. Ayala questions DHS Administrator Jocelyn Carter and DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park about shelter eviction policies, specifically focusing on what constitutes gross misconduct and how it's …
1:16:12
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3 min
Council Member Ayala questions shelter staffing and client accountability in pilot program
Council Member Diana I. Ayala raises concerns about understaffing in shelters participating in a pilot program and questions the approach to client accountability. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park and Administrator Jocelyn …
1:19:34
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4 min
Council Member Ayala questions Commissioner Park on cash assistance funding
Council Member Diana I. Ayala questions Commissioner Molly Wasow Park about changes in cash assistance funding for fiscal years 2025 and 2026. The discussion covers the reasons for funding increases, …
1:24:16
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108 sec
Council Member Ayala questions HRA on cash assistance budget discrepancy
Council Member Diana I. Ayala inquires about a significant discrepancy in the Human Resources Administration's (HRA) cash assistance budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park responds, acknowledging …
1:26:08
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35 sec
Council Member Ayala questions DSS officials on cash assistance work requirements and childcare vouchers
Council Member Diana I. Ayala inquires about the reinstatement of mandatory work requirements for cash assistance clients and its impact on childcare voucher demand. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park and HRA …
1:26:45
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175 sec
Council Member Ayala questions Commissioner Park about CityFHEPS funding and budget
Council Member Diana I. Ayala inquires about the additional funding for CityFHEPS in fiscal year 2025 and the reasons behind the budget increase. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park explains the rapid …
1:29:50
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112 sec
Council Member Ayala questions Commissioner Park on city FHEPS funding and program efficiency
Council Member Diana I. Ayala inquires about the funding and administrative barriers of the city FHEPS (Family Homelessness & Eviction Prevention Supplement) program. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park responds by detailing …
1:31:43
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3 min
Council Member Restler questions DSS on impact of proposed federal budget cuts
Council Member Lincoln Restler engages in a Q&A session with Commissioner Molly Wasow Park and other DSS officials about the potential impact of proposed federal budget cuts on New York …
1:35:25
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5 min
Council Member Restler questions DSS on immigrant food stamp access and budget allocations
Council Member Lincoln Restler engages in a Q&A session with DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park and HRA Administrator Scott French. The discussion covers concerns about legal immigrants' access to food …
1:40:47
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179 sec
Council Member Moya introduces his niece and her school group
Council Member Francisco P. Moya takes a moment to introduce his niece and her classmates from Our Lady of Mercy school who are visiting the City Council hearing. He expresses …
1:44:09
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29 sec
Council Member Salaam inquires about outreach workers in Harlem subway hubs
Council Member Yusef Salaam asks about the allocation of outreach workers in Harlem subway hubs, particularly at 125th Street. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park and Administrator Jocelyn Carter respond, explaining the …
1:44:49
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143 sec
Council Member Salaam questions DHS on peace officer misconduct and training
Council Member Yusef Salaam inquires about peace officer misconduct and training in the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), focusing on disciplinary procedures, training methods, and reporting mechanisms for shelter residents. …
1:47:12
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3 min
Council Member Avilés questions DSS on immigration agent protocols in city facilities
Council Member Alexa Avilés engages in a Q&A session with DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park regarding the department's protocols for dealing with immigration agents at DSS facilities. The discussion covers …
1:50:45
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4 min
Council Member Avilés questions Commissioner Park about $215 million city FHEPS budget allocation
Council Member Alexa Avilés inquires about the allocation of $215 million negotiated for the city FHEPS (Family Homelessness & Eviction Prevention Supplement) program, expressing concern about transparency in budget line …
1:55:48
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83 sec
Council Member Louis questions Commissioner Park on burial assistance and follow-up on shelter incident
Council Member Farah N. Louis inquires about increasing the cap on funeral and burial reimbursements, which is currently insufficient at $3,400. Commissioner Molly Wasow Park acknowledges the concern but admits …
1:57:20
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104 sec
Council member Brannan questions Commissioner Park about shelter conversions and community outreach
Council Member Justin L. Brannan poses questions to Commissioner Molly Wasow Park about the Department of Homeless Services' plans to convert migrant shelters into regular shelters and the associated community …
1:59:06
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170 sec
Council Member Avilés questions DSS on cash assistance and SNAP processing timeliness
Council Member Alexa Avilés questions DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park and other agency officials about the timeliness of cash assistance and SNAP application processing, as well as plans for improving …
2:01:59
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5 min
Council Member Ayala questions funding for Community Food Connection program
Council Member Diana I. Ayala inquires about the Community Food Connection (CFC) program's funding in the executive plan, expressing concern about the need for increased and baselined funding. Commissioner Molly …
2:07:52
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3 min
Council Member Ayala questions DSS on federal cuts to food assistance programs
Council Member Diana I. Ayala inquires about the impact of federal funding cuts on food assistance services in New York City, particularly focusing on organizations within the Community Food Connection …
2:11:02
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134 sec
Council Member Ayala questions DSS officials on contract payment delays
Council Member Diana I. Ayala questions DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park and DHS Administrator Jocelyn Carter about contract payment delays to nonprofit service providers. The officials explain the complex reasons …
2:13:27
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6 min
Council Member Ayala questions DSS officials on contract providers and payment processes
Council Member Diana I. Ayala engages in a discussion with DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park and DHS Administrator Jocelyn Carter about the number of contract providers, the contracting process, and …
2:20:10
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3 min
Council Member Ayala inquires about the crib pilot program for pregnant individuals at PATH intake
Council Member Diana I. Ayala asks about the proposed crib pilot program, which aims to assess the effectiveness of different interventions for pregnant individuals at PATH intake. Commissioner Molly Wasow …
2:23:48
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138 sec
Council Member Ayala questions the Pathway Home program's eligibility and effectiveness
Council Member Diana I. Ayala questions the eligibility criteria and research methodology of the Pathway Home program, which requires participants to have a friend or family member to live with. …
2:26:06
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116 sec
Council Member Ayala questions Commissioner Park about CityFHEPS voucher program changes
Council Member Diana I. Ayala engages in a detailed discussion with DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park about proposed changes to the CityFHEPS voucher program, particularly the increase in tenant rent …
2:28:15
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8 min
Council Member Brannan inquires about affordable housing services funding and implementation
Council Member Justin L. Brannan asks Commissioner Molly Wasow Park about the funding and implementation of affordable housing services in New York City. Commissioner Park explains the Affordable Housing Services …
2:36:34
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5 min
Council Member Brannan questions DSS on various programs and initiatives
Council Member Justin L. Brannan engages in a Q&A session with DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park and other officials, covering topics such as the SHARE program, Wi-Fi in DHS shelters, …
2:41:38
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4 min
Council Member Avilés questions Commissioner Park on immigrant legal services funding
Council Member Alexa Avilés questions Commissioner Molly Wasow Park about the budget for immigrant legal services, expressing concern over the lack of increased funding despite growing demand. Commissioner Park confirms …
2:46:09
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143 sec
Council Member Ayala questions DSS on Right to Counsel funding and legal assistance for domestic violence survivors
Council Member Diana I. Ayala inquires about the funding for the Right to Counsel program and a potential pilot program for legal assistance to domestic violence survivors in divorce proceedings. …
2:48:35
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3 min
Testimony by Calvin Michael, Member of Safety Net Activists from Safety Net Project, Urban Justice Center
Calvin Michael, representing Safety Net Activists and the Safety Net Project at Urban Justice Center, testified about concerns with DHS's proposed shelter sanctions policy and the need for improved services …
3:14:10
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139 sec
Testimony by Diana Ramos, Member of Safety Net Activists from Safety Net Project, Urban Justice Center
Diana Ramos, a member of Safety Net Activists and recipient of various social services, testifies about her experiences with HRA delays, including issues with benefit recertification, long phone wait times, …
3:16:37
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3 min
Testimony by Harold Alexis, Member of Neighbors Together and Vocal New York
Harold Alexis, a member of Neighbors Together and Vocal New York, testified about his experiences with the City FHEPS (Family Homelessness & Eviction Prevention Supplement) program and the challenges he …
3:20:50
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5 min
Testimony by Alison Wilkey, Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Campaigns at Coalition for the Homeless
Alison Wilkey from the Coalition for the Homeless testified about concerns regarding the city's attempts to limit access to City FHEPS (Family Homelessness & Eviction Prevention Supplement) vouchers. She highlighted …
3:27:15
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3 min
Testimony by Chris Mann, Assistant Vice President of Policy and Advocacy at Women in Need (WIN)
Chris Mann from Women in Need (WIN) urged the NYC Council to take bold action in the FY 2026 budget to protect vulnerable populations from federal funding cuts. He advocated …
3:30:50
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141 sec
Testimony by Kristin Miller, Executive Director of Homeless Services United
Kristin Miller, Executive Director of Homeless Services United, testified about ongoing payment issues faced by nonprofits delivering homeless services. She emphasized the need for continued pressure to address delayed payments …
3:33:14
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138 sec
Testimony by Sara Penenberg, Political Coordinator of 32BJ SEIU
Sara Penenberg, representing 32BJ SEIU, urges the city council to allocate funds for back pay owed to security officers working in DHS contracted shelters. She emphasizes the importance of fair …
3:40:35
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157 sec
Testimony by Tammy Murray, Security Officer and Army Veteran, on Shelter Security and Prevailing Wage
Tammy Murray, a 46-year-old army veteran and security officer in NYC's shelter system, testified about her experiences working in shelters and the importance of receiving prevailing wage adjustments. She highlighted …
3:43:15
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160 sec
Testimony by Emely Páez, Representative from Hispanic Federation on Food Insecurity and Community Funding
Emely Páez, representing the Hispanic Federation, testifies on the need for increased funding to address food insecurity in New York City, particularly among Latino and Black communities. She emphasizes the …
3:46:45
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4 min
Testimony by Joe Rosenberg, Executive Director of Catholic Community Relations Council
Joe Rosenberg, representing the Catholic Community Relations Council, testifies about the growing food insecurity crisis in New York City. He highlights the challenges faced by food pantries due to rising …
3:51:41
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140 sec
Testimony by Kim Moscaritolo, State Policy Director of Hunger Free America, on Food Insecurity and Benefit Programs
Kim Moscaritolo, State Policy Director of Hunger Free America, testified about the hunger crisis in New York City and proposed solutions to combat it. She emphasized the importance of city …
3:56:59
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136 sec
Testimony by Carolina Cortes-Rivera, Digital Food Choice Program Manager at West Side Campaign Against Hunger
Carolina Cortes-Rivera, representing West Side Campaign Against Hunger (WSCA), testifies on the critical need for increased funding for food security programs in New York City. She highlights WSCA's digital food …
3:59:20
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168 sec
Testimony by Catherine Trapani, Representative of Volunteers of America Greater New York
Catherine Trapani from Volunteers of America Greater New York addresses the NYC City Council on homeless services, late payments to service providers, and support for students in temporary housing. She …
4:02:50
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144 sec
Testimony by Agnes Kim, Representative of Family Homelessness Coalition
Agnes Kim, representing the Family Homelessness Coalition (FHC), testifies on the NYC executive budget, expressing concerns about proposed changes to the City FHEPS program and advocating for increased support for …
4:05:22
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113 sec
Testimony by Mark Papish, Supervisor of Government and Community Affairs at Center for Family Representation
Mark Papish from the Center for Family Representation (CFR) testified about their services and funding needs. He highlighted CFR's role as an indigent defense provider for families facing ACS investigations …
4:07:25
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125 sec
Testimony by Abdullah Younus, Vice President of Advocacy and Government Relations at United Way of New York City
Abdullah Younus from United Way of New York City advocates for expanded funding of $100 million for the Community Food Connections (CFC) program in the FY '26 budget. He emphasizes …
4:09:35
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119 sec
Testimony by Constance Lesold, Member of the Public
Constance Lesold advocated for the importance of voting in a democratic society, particularly for vulnerable populations in shelters and institutions. She emphasized the need for voter registration efforts and expressed …
4:11:46
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174 sec
Testimony by Gabriela Sandoval Requena, Vice President of External Affairs at New Destiny Housing
Gabriela Sandoval Requena from New Destiny Housing testified on the importance of housing solutions for domestic violence survivors and requested support for federal and city housing programs. She highlighted three …
4:15:46
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140 sec
Testimony by Stephanie Woodbine, Resource Coordinator at New Destiny Housing, on the Executive Budget
Stephanie Woodbine, a domestic violence survivor and Resource Coordinator at New Destiny Housing, testified on the need for increased funding for flexible funding programs and housing resources for domestic violence …
4:18:11
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130 sec
Testimony by Stephanie Mansfield, Single Mother and EHV Voucher Holder
Stephanie Mansfield, a single mother of three and EHV voucher holder, shared her personal experiences with homelessness, disability, and the challenges of accessing support services. She emphasized the importance of …
4:20:25
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5 min
Testimony by Shervon M. Small, Executive Director of Legal Services NYC
Shervon M. Small, Executive Director of Legal Services NYC, testified about the crucial role of legal services in reducing poverty, preventing homelessness, and supporting New York families. She highlighted the …
4:26:53
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169 sec
Testimony by Leslie Thrope, Executive Director of Housing Conservation Coordinators (HCC)
Leslie Thrope, Executive Director of Housing Conservation Coordinators (HCC), testified on behalf of the Legal Services for the Working Poor Coalition, requesting increased funding to address the civil legal needs …
4:29:47
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146 sec
Testimony by Raquel Namuche, Tenant Advocate/Community Outreach Specialist at Mobilization for Justice
Raquel Namuche from Mobilization for Justice testified about the need for fully funding and enhancing legal services for low-income individuals in New York City. She highlighted the importance of various …
4:32:15
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3 min
Testimony by Abby Bieberman, Associate Director of Public Benefits Unit at New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG)
Abby Bieberman from NYLAG testified about concerns regarding the FY '26 budget, focusing on issues with public benefits access and proposed changes to housing assistance programs. She highlighted ongoing problems …
4:37:53
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131 sec
Testimony by Patricia Wong, Representative from New York Lawyers for Public Interest (NYLPI)
Patricia Wong from New York Lawyers for Public Interest (NYLPI) testifies on urgent issues affecting their client communities, including HRA understaffing, the need for resources to help nonprofits face politicized …
4:40:07
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156 sec
Testimony by Navdeep Bains, Associate Director of Advocacy and Policy at Asian American Federation
Navdeep Bains from the Asian American Federation testified about the critical issue of food insecurity in New York's Asian community. He highlighted the challenges faced by the community, including federal …
4:43:34
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173 sec
Testimony by Tania Mattos, Executive Director of Unlocal, on Immigration Legal Services Funding
Tania Mattos, Executive Director of Unlocal, testified to request support for preserving funding for immigration legal services, including initiatives like the Pro Se Plus project, Rapid Response Legal Collaborative, and …
4:46:45
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120 sec
Testimony by Emily Brett, Director of Greenpoint Hunger Program, on Funding for Community Food Connection Program
Emily Brett, Director of Greenpoint Hunger Program, passionately advocates for the restoration of $100 million in funding for the Community Food Connection (CFC) program in the next fiscal year. She …
4:48:49
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131 sec
Testimony by Richard William on Issues with DHS and DSS Services
Richard William, a resident at a BRC facility, testifies about perceived racism, discrimination, and mismanagement in the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and Department of Social Services (DSS). He claims …
4:51:08
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3 min
Testimony by Sierra Kraft, Executive Director of ICARE Coalition, on Unaccompanied Immigrant Children Legal Services Funding
Sierra Kraft, Executive Director of ICARE Coalition, testifies about the urgent crisis in legal representation for unaccompanied immigrant children due to the abrupt termination of federal funding. She requests additional …
4:54:38
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147 sec
Testimony by Carlyn Cowen, Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer of Chinese American Planning Council
Carlyn Cowen from the Chinese American Planning Council testified about the importance of funding social services programs, particularly SNAP benefits. She shared a story about a community member facing food …
4:57:20
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132 sec
Testimony by Christopher Leon Johnson, Former Shop Steward for 32BJ SEIU
Christopher Leon Johnson, a former shop steward for 32BJ SEIU and former supervisor for Help USA, testified in support of reimbursing $90 million to DHS for security guard pay. He …
4:59:48
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168 sec
Testimony by Garland Roberts, Member of the Public
Garland Roberts, a member of the public, testifies about his frustrations with the current budget allocation and alleged misuse of funds in housing programs. He calls for the implementation of …
5:03:00
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105 sec