March 23, 2009

Contact: 212-669-4813

Remarks by Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum for General Welfare Committee Budget Hearing for the Department of Homeless Services (DHS)

Public Advocate BetsyGotbaum said, "Thank you, Chair de Blasio. In 2004, Mayor Bloomberg announced Uniting for Solutions Beyond Shelter, a five-year plan to reduce homelessness in New York City by two-thirds. Unfortunately, the economic recession, rising unemployment, and the lack of affordable housing have all prevented the city from making progress toward the Mayor’s goal. The administration’s decision to no longer give homeless families priority status for federal Section 8 vouchers and public housing has also played a role in undermining the city’s ability to reduce the number of families in shelter.

According to the Coalition for the Homeless, the city experienced a record high of 9,720 homeless families living in the shelter system at the end of November 2008. This is the highest number since the city started reporting this information more than twenty-five years ago. In recent published reports, both city officials and the Coalition for the Homeless attributed this increase to the economic recession. While reducing homelessness is a worthy goal, during these difficult economic times, DHS’ first priority must be to ensure that all homeless men, women, and children receive safe and decent shelter and the services they need to achieve permanent housing.

Transparency and accountability are an important part of addressing homelessness in New York City and an important part of setting budgetary priorities. I’m concerned by recent published reports that DHS is no longer providing its monthly statistical report, “Emergency Housing Services for Homeless Families,” to agencies, nonprofit groups, and officials. I urge you to reconsider this position and immediately begin providing this information to all interested parties. I am also concerned about DHS’ plans to reduce emergency shelter beds and other services for street homeless individuals and about proposed changes to client responsibility rules for the family shelter system that could have the effect of forcing families in need out of shelter and onto the street.

The city’s goal of reducing homelessness must not put the health and well-being of homeless New Yorkers at risk. DHS should adjust its policies to respond to the worsening economy, the scarcity of jobs and affordable housing, and the reality that recent strategies have not been working. I look forward to hearing more about your plans today.  Thank you."