Photo Courtesy of Councilwoman Ariola
“The passage of these bills would add an estimated $17 billion in costs to the city’s expenses, while also exacerbating our current homelessness crisis by virtually eliminating the prioritization of homeless New Yorkers seeking housing subsidies,” Councilwoman Ariola said.
By Michael V. Cusenza
The City Council recently passed legislation to help New Yorkers avoid or move out of the city’s shelter system by reforming the City’s rental assistance voucher program, CityFHEPS. The legislative package of four bills will not only help New Yorkers move out of shelters, but also prevent the evictions of New Yorkers most at risk of homelessness and entering our shelter system, according to Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.
In addition, the Council voted on several pieces of legislation, which includes: providing transportation safety protections for students with disabilities; establishing technology access and training programs, which was originally proposed in Speaker Adams’ 2022 State of the City address; requiring coordination of summer youth employment program opportunities; making the Open Culture Program permanent; and state home rule messages, including one in support of Sammy’s Law.
Introduction 878-A, sponsored by Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala, would remove shelter stay as a precondition to CityFHEPS eligibility. This would expand eligibility, reduce length of stay in the shelter system and prevent new shelter entrants.
Introduction 229-A, sponsored by Council Member Tiffany Cabán, would prohibit the Department of Social Services from deducting a utility allowance from the maximum amount of a CityFHEPS voucher except in limited circumstances.
Introduction 893-A, sponsored by Council Member Pierina Sanchez, would remove certain Department of Social Services’ criteria that determines eligibility for CityFHEPS and gives New Yorkers the ability to demonstrate risk of eviction by presenting a rent demand letter.
Introduction 894-A, sponsored by Council Member Pierina Sanchez, would change the eligibility for a CityFHEPS voucher from 200 percent of the federal poverty level to 50 percent of the area median income and remove work and source of income requirements that make it difficult for individuals to pursue employment and housing concurrently.
Councilwoman Joann Ariola said her decision to vote “NO” on Intro 229, 878, 893, and 894 was based on a realistic assessment of New York City’s current fiscal situation.
“This city is already facing such a dire financial situation that we are being forced to alter the hard-earned healthcare of our municipal retirees,” Councilwoman Ariola said. “The passage of these bills would add an estimated $17 billion in costs to the city’s expenses, while also exacerbating our current homelessness crisis by virtually eliminating the prioritization of homeless New Yorkers seeking housing subsidies.
These bills would also make the process of gaining access to housing vouchers more difficult for those in need of assistance, as the city would be forced to create a waiting list to meet the enormously expanded demand that would be established by this package of legislation.
Housing vouchers should be for people who are truly experiencing hard times and need help getting back on their feet. By expanding the criteria so widely – as these bills seek to do – those who really need these subsidies will have a harder time getting them, while those who may not be in any real danger of homelessness but are now eligible for vouchers will cause a backlog for those in need.”
