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Amendments to CityFHEPS Program – Reimbursements

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Rule status: Adopted

Agency: HRA

Effective date: November 16, 2023

Proposed Rule Full Text
HRA-Proposed-Amendment-of-CityFHEPS-Rules-Permanent-Rule-Preliminarily-Certified-8.14.2023-final-B-with-certifications.pdf

Adopted Rule Full Text
CityFHEPSreimbursementgrantHRAandHPD.pdf

Adopted rule summary:

The New York City Human Resources Administration (“HRA”) and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (“HPD”) are adopting a new rules to establish a new CityFHEPS program that will provide reimbursement for rehabilitation of low-rent, vacant, rent stabilized dwelling units. The program increases the availability of affordable housing for formerly homeless individuals and families. HRA is also amending the CityFHEPS provisions in accordance with HRA’s emergency rule, dated June 16, 2023, relating to eligibility criteria for the CityFHEPS program.

Comments are now closed.

Online comments: 20

  • kS

    Prioritize for NYC residents only but not refugees

    Comment added August 18, 2023 5:37pm
  • Val Gojcaj

    Property owners look forward to working with HRA and HPD to develop good policy so we can continue to provide good housing.

    Comment added September 9, 2023 6:18pm
  • Elias Astra Levieon

    “Hi, my name is Elias Levieon from Brooklyn, NY. I am submitting a public comment in opposition to the Administration’s following rule changes as proposed: 1) The temporary elimination of the 90-day eligibility rule to qualify for housing vouchers instead of fully implementing Local Law 100-2023 (Int. 878A.) 2) Instituting a weekly work requirement for single adults and reducing work hour requirements for families to qualify for housing vouchers.

    The proposed rule changes go against the laws recently passed by the New York City Council in July 2023, which removed all work requirements for households and ensured the elimination of requiring households to remain in shelter for 90 days until eligibility was permanent. It is imperative that the City of New York focus on removing all barriers to access to housing eligibility so that homeless New Yorkers can better obtain permanent, safe, and secure housing. Instituting work requirements makes it difficult for single adults experiencing homelessness to receive a housing voucher and lessens their chances of obtaining housing. Proposing these additional unnecessary hurdles when the DHS shelter census has hit peak capacity and is in dire need of reduction is irresponsible. The administration simply should have developed rule changes that fully implement the spirit of Local Law 102 of 2023 (Int. 893A).

    Additionally, eliminating the 90-day rule would speed up getting New Yorkers out of the shelter and vastly reduce the existing shelter population. The average length of stay is 534 days for a family with children, increasing the risk of trauma experienced by remaining homeless for elongated periods. This contributes to other socio-emotional and economic health disparities. Households should be allowed access to housing vouchers as soon as possible to accelerate the search and securing of feasible housing. We hope that the administration fully implements Local Law 100 of 2023 (Int. 878A) and ensures that those eligible for rental assistance are quickly supported in their housing search. Housing is a human right, and as we are currently experiencing a human rights crisis in our shelter system, New York City should work towards sensible, permanent measures that will actively remove barriers to obtaining housing vouchers and securing permanent housing.”

    Comment added September 13, 2023 9:10pm
  • Ms. Rephaim

    Greetings, my name is Ms. Rephaim from Brooklyn, NY. I am submitting a public comment in opposition to the Administration’s following rule changes as proposed: 1) The temporary elimination of the 90-day eligibility rule to qualify for housing vouchers instead of fully implementing Local Law 100-2023 (Int. 878A.) 2) Instituting a weekly work requirement for single adults and reducing work hour requirements for families to qualify for housing vouchers.

    The proposed rule changes go against the laws recently passed by the New York City Council in July 2023, which removed all work requirements for households and ensured the elimination of requiring households to remain in shelter for 90 days until eligibility was permanent. It is imperative that the City of New York focus on removing all barriers to access to housing eligibility so that homeless New Yorkers can better obtain permanent, safe, and secure housing. Instituting work requirements makes it difficult for single adults experiencing homelessness to receive a housing voucher and lessens their chances of obtaining housing. Proposing these additional unnecessary hurdles when the DHS shelter census has hit peak capacity and is in dire need of reduction is irresponsible. The administration simply should have developed rule changes that fully implement the spirit of Local Law 102 of 2023 (Int. 893A).

    Additionally, eliminating the 90-day rule would speed up getting New Yorkers out of the shelter and vastly reduce the existing shelter population. The average length of stay is 534 days for a family with children, increasing the risk of trauma experienced by remaining homeless for elongated periods. This contributes to other socio-emotional and economic health disparities. Households should be allowed access to housing vouchers as soon as possible to accelerate the search and securing of feasible housing. We hope that the administration fully implements Local Law 100 of 2023 (Int. 878A) and ensures that those eligible for rental assistance are quickly supported in their housing search. Housing is a human right, and as we are currently experiencing a human rights crisis in our shelter system, New York City should work towards sensible, permanent measures that will actively remove barriers to obtaining housing vouchers and securing permanent housing.

    Comment added September 14, 2023 10:43am
  • Mr. Jennings

    Hi, my name is Mr. Jennings from Brooklyn, NY. I am submitting a public comment in opposition to the Administration’s following rule changes as proposed: 1) The temporary elimination of the 90-day eligibility rule to qualify for housing vouchers instead of fully implementing Local Law 100-2023 (Int. 878A.) 2) Instituting a weekly work requirement for single adults and reducing work hour requirements for families to qualify for housing vouchers.

    The proposed rule changes go against the laws recently passed by the New York City Council in July 2023, which removed all work requirements for households and ensured the elimination of requiring households to remain in shelter for 90 days until eligibility was permanent. It is imperative that the City of New York focus on removing all barriers to access to housing eligibility so that homeless New Yorkers can better obtain permanent, safe, and secure housing. Instituting work requirements makes it difficult for single adults experiencing homelessness to receive a housing voucher and lessens their chances of obtaining housing. Proposing these additional unnecessary hurdles when the DHS shelter census has hit peak capacity and is in dire need of reduction is irresponsible. The administration simply should have developed rule changes that fully implement the spirit of Local Law 102 of 2023 (Int. 893A).

    Additionally, eliminating the 90-day rule would speed up getting New Yorkers out of the shelter and vastly reduce the existing shelter population. The average length of stay is 534 days for a family with children, increasing the risk of trauma experienced by remaining homeless for elongated periods. This contributes to other socio-emotional and economic health disparities. Households should be allowed access to housing vouchers as soon as possible to accelerate the search and securing of feasible housing. We hope that the administration fully implements Local Law 100 of 2023 (Int. 878A) and ensures that those eligible for rental assistance are quickly supported in their housing search. Housing is a human right, and as we are currently experiencing a human rights crisis in our shelter system, New York City should work towards sensible, permanent measures that will actively remove barriers to obtaining housing vouchers and securing permanent housing.
    Thank you.

    Comment added September 14, 2023 10:54am
  • Victor Colon

    I have no comments at the moment, but feel free to reach out to me with any follow up information that you need that I will be able to assist you with

    Comment added September 14, 2023 7:22pm
  • John Henry martin

    EVERYONE DESERVES A HOME ITS NOT A RIGHT ITS A NESSECITY HOMELESSNESS MUST BE IRRADICATED LIVING ON STREETS IS SOMETHING YOU CANNOT FATHOM UNLESS YOU HAVE BEEN THERE STOP GOING BACK PROGRESSION IS FORWARD

    Comment added September 14, 2023 7:27pm
  • LADY

    Hola me llamo Lady y quería pedir ayuda vivo rn un refugio hace 2 años y aquí en elrefugio no ayudan a que pueda conseguir a donde vivir soy ciudadana americana donde podría buscar ayuda este es mi correo electrónico muchas gracias

    Comment added September 14, 2023 7:40pm
  • Samantha E Wilson

    Im told i cant use mine Until i’m a valuated waited 7186787559 Samantha Wilson

    Comment added September 14, 2023 7:40pm
  • Neil d Berry

    My name is Neil Berry. I object to rule changes. Homelessness is rising ,there is no sustainable plan. City Council passed viable laws. Move Forward. No to Adams

    Comment added September 14, 2023 8:10pm
  • Jon M McFarlane

    Hi, my name is Jon McFarlane from Queens, NY. I am submitting a public comment in opposition to the Administration’s following rule changes as proposed: 1) The temporary elimination of the 90-day eligibility rule to qualify for housing vouchers instead of fully implementing Local Law 100-2023 (Int. 878A.) 2) Instituting a weekly work requirement for single adults and reducing work hour requirements for families to qualify for housing vouchers.

    The proposed rule changes go against the laws recently passed by the New York City Council in July 2023, which removed all work requirements for households and ensured the elimination of requiring households to remain in shelter for 90 days until eligibility was permanent. It is imperative that the City of New York focus on removing all barriers to access to housing eligibility so that homeless New Yorkers can better obtain permanent, safe, and secure housing. Instituting work requirements makes it difficult for single adults experiencing homelessness to receive a housing voucher and lessens their chances of obtaining housing. Proposing these additional unnecessary hurdles when the DHS shelter census has hit peak capacity and is in dire need of reduction is irresponsible. The administration simply should have developed rule changes that fully implement the spirit of Local Law 102 of 2023 (Int. 893A).

    Additionally, eliminating the 90-day rule would speed up getting New Yorkers out of the shelter and vastly reduce the existing shelter population. The average length of stay is 534 days for a family with children, increasing the risk of trauma experienced by remaining homeless for elongated periods. This contributes to other socio-emotional and economic health disparities. Households should be allowed access to housing vouchers as soon as possible to accelerate the search and securing of feasible housing. We hope that the administration fully implements Local Law 100 of 2023 (Int. 878A) and ensures that those eligible for rental assistance are quickly supported in their housing search. Housing is a human right, and as we are currently experiencing a human rights crisis in our shelter system, New York City should work towards sensible, permanent measures that will actively remove barriers to obtaining housing vouchers and securing permanent housing.

    Comment added September 14, 2023 8:14pm
  • Milton L Perez

    Saludos, I am Milton Perez writing in from Brooklyn by way of The Bronx, Puerto Rico.I spent over 5 years in NYC Shelters and I am writing in to this forum to oppose the Administration’s proposed rule changes that are being discussed: 1) The temporary elimination of the 90-day eligibility rule to qualify for housing vouchers instead of fully implementing Local Law 100-2023 (Int. 878A.) 2) Instituting a weekly work requirement for single adults and reducing work hour requirements for families to qualify for housing vouchers.

    It is imperative that the City of New York focus on removing all barriers to access housing eligibility so that homeless New Yorkers can better obtain permanent, safe, and secure housing. Instituting work requirements makes it difficult for single adults experiencing homelessness to receive a housing voucher and lessens their chances of obtaining Decent affordable Safe housing.

    Eliminating the 90-day rule permanently would speed up getting New Yorkers out of the shelter.The many years familias with children,Young and Older single Adults spend in shelter increases the risk of trauma experienced by remaining homeless for elongated periods. This contributes to other socio-emotional and economic health disparities.People should be allowed access to housing vouchers as soon as possible to accelerate the search and securing of feasible housing. We hope that the administration fully implements Local Law 100 of 2023 (Int. 878A) and ensures that those eligible for rental assistance are quickly supported in their housing search. Housing is a human right, and as we are currently experiencing a human rights crisis in our shelter system, New York City should work towards sensible, permanent measures that will actively remove barriers to obtaining housing vouchers and securing permanent housing

    Comment added September 14, 2023 10:47pm
  • Eric Lee

    Dear HRA Rules:
    I am writing on behalf of my organization, Homeless Services United (HSU) to submit public comments for the proposed amendments to Title 68 of the Rules of the City of New York, for the CityFHEPS rental assistance program.
    HSU applauds the City for permanently removing the 90-day length of stay requirement for single adults and families experiencing homelessness. No one should be forced to reside in shelter for 90 days to qualify for a voucher. The solution to homelessness is housing.

    HSU opposes the proposed implementation of a 10-hour per week work requirement for single adults. And while lowering the work requirement for families is a step in the right direction, the City should move to strike employment status as a requirement to comply with local law 102. At a time of record homelessness, the City should be easing requirements to access permanent housing, not making it more difficult to qualify for a rental assistance voucher.

    We urge the City to expeditiously implement all pieces of the CityFHEPS legislation package to prevent more households from being evicted and becoming homeless, and hasten more exits from shelter to permanent housing, creating much needed shelter capacity for others without viable housing options. The Council resoundingly passed this bill package by a veto-proof majority because helping more people access permanent housing is both the humane thing to do and makes good fiscal sense. OMB Budget Director Jiha emphasized in his recent letter to City Agencies that expediting move outs from shelter is a priority to reduce costs, and swift implementation of these laws will enable the City to achieve that goal.
    o Local Law 99 of 2023 to stop deducting the cost of utilities from the maximum rental allowance of a voucher.
    o Local Law 100 of 2023 to remove shelter history as an eligibility requirement for CityFHEPS “in community”.
    o Local Law 101 of 2023 to expand eligibility for CityFHEPS anyone at risk of eviction or experiencing homelessness. While the proposed rule change would partially implement this law through removal of the 90-day requirement, the City must also widen eligibility for households at risk of eviction.
    o Local Law 102 of 2023 to remove employment status as an eligibility criteria for CityFHEPS and increase the maximum income eligibility limits from 200% of the Federal Poverty Limit (FPL) to 50% Area Median Income (AMI).

    The City must move swiftly to ensure as smooth an implementation of these local laws as possible. Further delays mean families and individuals at risk of eviction may lose their homes and become homeless, and those already experiencing the trauma of homelessness will be forced to linger in shelter instead of finding a place to call home. Homeless Services United stands ready to work with the administration to implement these laws so that more New Yorkers can access and maintain permanent housing.

    Comment attachment
    CItyfheps-recommendations-9-14-23-Final.pdf
    Comment added September 14, 2023 11:55pm
  • Moszella

    SUBMIT A PUBLIC COMMENT TODAY!
    No Half Measures! The Administration Must FULLY Implement the NYC Council CityFHEPS Bill Package!!!

    This past July 2023, the NYC Council led the historic charge of overriding Mayor Adam’s veto, intended to slash the historic CityFHEPS bill package that aims to do the following:
    Int. No. 0229A: Prohibits the Department of Social Services (DSS) from deducting a Utility Allowance from rental payments issued by the agency.
    Int. No. 0878A: Eliminates the “90-day rule” that forces individuals and families to reside in a shelter for at least three months before becoming eligible for rental assistance.
    Int. No. 0893A: Expands CityFHEPS Eligibility for Rental Assistance to rent-burdened households and those at risk of eviction.
    Int. No. 0894A: Ends work requirement as a precondition for CityFHEPS eligibility and updates income requirements to make more people eligible.
    However, two of these bills are currently being threatened under the radar by a Rule Change that the Adam’s administration has proposed. We have the opportunity to make our voices heard by submitting public comments opposing these harmful aspects of the rule changes by this Thursday, September 15th. The proposed rule change sets out to:
    Int. No 0878A – Make the 90-day eligibility rule to qualify for housing vouchers TEMPORARY.
    Int. No. 0894A – REVERTS BACK to work requirements as a precondition for eligibility for a housing voucher.
    Public comments to the rule change can be done by submitting a comment online, attending the scheduled public hearing on Zoom, 9/15/23 at 10A-11AM or sending it in by fax, mail or email. See more instructions on these options below and how you can submit your comment TODAY!

    Submit A Public Comment Online (Template Provided)
    Head over to the NYC Rules Website by clicking here:
    AMENDMENTS TO CITYFHEPS PROGRAM
    Scroll down to the bottom of the page where you will see the text boxes shown in the image below. Once you enter a valid email address and name, copy and paste the following template provided. Feel free to edit, use as a guide or create your own original comment.

    “Hi, my name is Moszella Parker from New York NY. I am submitting a public comment in opposition to the Administration’s following rule changes as proposed: 1) The temporary elimination of the 90-day eligibility rule to qualify for housing vouchers instead of fully implementing Local Law 100-2023 (Int. 878A.) 2) Instituting a weekly work requirement for single adults and reducing work hour requirements for families to qualify for housing vouchers.

    The proposed rule changes go against the laws recently passed by the New York City Council in July 2023, which removed all work requirements for households and ensured the elimination of requiring households to remain in shelter for 90 days until eligibility was permanent. It is imperative that the City of New York focus on removing all barriers to access to housing eligibility so that homeless New Yorkers can better obtain permanent, safe, and secure housing. Instituting work requirements makes it difficult for single adults experiencing homelessness to receive a housing voucher and lessens their chances of obtaining housing. Proposing these additional unnecessary hurdles when the DHS shelter census has hit peak capacity and is in dire need of reduction is irresponsible. The administration simply should have developed rule changes that fully implement the spirit of Local Law 102 of 2023 (Int. 893A).

    Additionally, eliminating the 90-day rule would speed up getting New Yorkers out of the shelter and vastly reduce the existing shelter population. The average length of stay is 534 days for a family with children, increasing the risk of trauma.

    Comment added September 15, 2023 4:29am
  • joseph Burrell

    Hello this is very helpful and needed. as an person gets older this is needed please keep the programs. For hard working new Yorker trying to live descent lives. Thank you !

    Comment added September 15, 2023 5:37am
  • Rachel Goldenberg

    Hi, my name is Rabbi Rachel Goldenberg from Jackson Heights, NY. I am submitting a public comment in opposition to the Administration’s following rule changes as proposed: 1) The temporary elimination of the 90-day eligibility rule to qualify for housing vouchers instead of fully implementing Local Law 100-2023 (Int. 878A.) 2) Instituting a weekly work requirement for single adults and reducing work hour requirements for families to qualify for housing vouchers.

    The proposed rule changes go against the laws recently passed by the New York City Council in July 2023, which removed all work requirements for households and ensured the elimination of requiring households to remain in shelter for 90 days until eligibility was permanent. It is imperative that the City of New York focus on removing all barriers to access to housing eligibility so that homeless New Yorkers can better obtain permanent, safe, and secure housing. Instituting work requirements makes it difficult for single adults experiencing homelessness to receive a housing voucher and lessens their chances of obtaining housing. Proposing these additional unnecessary hurdles when the DHS shelter census has hit peak capacity and is in dire need of reduction is irresponsible. The administration simply should have developed rule changes that fully implement the spirit of Local Law 102 of 2023 (Int. 893A).

    Additionally, eliminating the 90-day rule would speed up getting New Yorkers out of the shelter and vastly reduce the existing shelter population. The average length of stay is 534 days for a family with children, increasing the risk of trauma experienced by remaining homeless for elongated periods. This contributes to other socio-emotional and economic health disparities. Households should be allowed access to housing vouchers as soon as possible to accelerate the search and securing of feasible housing. We hope that the administration fully implements Local Law 100 of 2023 (Int. 878A) and ensures that those eligible for rental assistance are quickly supported in their housing search. Housing is a human right, and as we are currently experiencing a human rights crisis in our shelter system, New York City should work towards sensible, permanent measures that will actively remove barriers to obtaining housing vouchers and securing permanent housing.”

    Comment added September 15, 2023 10:23am
  • Marlon Hillard

    Everyone has a right to have a home, because it’s a human right and no to Adams.

    Comment added September 15, 2023 12:54pm
  • C.T.

    Hello, I am submitting a public comment in opposition to the Administration’s following rule changes as proposed: 1) The temporary elimination of the 90-day eligibility rule to qualify for housing vouchers instead of fully implementing Local Law 100-2023 (Int. 878A.) 2) Instituting a weekly work requirement for single adults and reducing work hour requirements for families to qualify for housing vouchers.

    The proposed rule changes go against the laws recently passed by the New York City Council in July 2023, which removed all work requirements for households and ensured the elimination of requiring households to remain in shelter for 90 days until eligibility was permanent. It is imperative that the City of New York focus on removing all barriers to access to housing eligibility so that homeless New Yorkers can better obtain permanent, safe, and secure housing. Instituting work requirements makes it difficult for single adults experiencing homelessness to receive a housing voucher and lessens their chances of obtaining housing. Proposing these additional unnecessary hurdles when the DHS shelter census has hit peak capacity and is in dire need of reduction is irresponsible. The administration simply should have developed rule changes that fully implement the spirit of Local Law 102 of 2023 (Int. 893A).

    Additionally, eliminating the 90-day rule would speed up getting New Yorkers out of the shelter and vastly reduce the existing shelter population. The average length of stay is 534 days for a family with children, increasing the risk of trauma experienced by remaining homeless for elongated periods. This contributes to other socio-emotional and economic health disparities. Households should be allowed access to housing vouchers as soon as possible to accelerate the search and securing of feasible housing. We hope that the administration fully implements Local Law 100 of 2023 (Int. 878A) and ensures that those eligible for rental assistance are quickly supported in their housing search. Housing is a human right, and as we are currently experiencing a human rights crisis in our shelter system, New York City should work towards sensible, permanent measures that will actively remove barriers to obtaining housing vouchers and securing permanent housing.

    Comment added September 15, 2023 3:22pm
  • Alonzo Rhea

    I have cityFHEPS voucher since July 14 2022 til now. I would like to know how to get a renewed voucher?. Im new to this whole thing and don’t know how this works.

    Comment added September 15, 2023 4:30pm
  • Nicole McVinua

    Dear HRA Rules:

    I am submitting this comment on behalf of Urban Pathways regarding the proposed amendments to Section 10-04 of Title 68 of the Rules of the City of New York, which would change eligibility requirements for the CityFHEPS program.

    Urban Pathways is a nonprofit homeless services and supportive housing provider serving single adults. Last year, we served 2,179 unique individuals through a full continuum of services that includes street outreach, drop-in services, Safe Havens, extended-stay residences, and Permanent Supportive Housing in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.

    Urban Pathways supports the permanent removal of the qualifying shelter stay of at least 90 days in order to be eligible for CityFHEPS rental assistance. The requirement for households to reside in shelter for 90 days before they can become eligible for a CityFHEPS voucher has only served to prolong homelessness for those in need of housing solutions. This is especially imperative considering the length of stay in shelter expanding year over year. According to the Mayor’s Management Report, the average length of stay is well over one year for all categories, with average stay in FY22 at 509 days for single adults, 534 days for families with children, and 855 days for adult families. Eliminating the 90-day waiting period is a positive step that will help individuals and families begin their housing search more quickly.

    Urban Pathways opposes the proposed implementation of the requirement for households to work 10 hours per week in unsubsidized employment or a subsidized work program in order to be eligible for CityFHEPS rental assistance. While the proposed 10 hours lowers the work requirement from the current 14 hours, imposing any work requirement is in direct conflict with Local Law 102, which eliminates work requirements entirely from the CityFHEPS program and is set to take effect 180 days from the date of passage on July 13, 2023. The Administration should not be implementing a rule change that is in direct conflict with the current local law and should instead be eliminating work requirements completely to meet the new law.

    We urge the City to implement all elements of the four local laws (Local Laws 99, 100, 101, and 102 of 2023) established by the CityFHEPS bill package as quickly as possible, and at the very least within the required 180-day timeframe set forth by the legislation. Together, these new laws will strengthen the CityFHEPS subsidy to both make it more usable to obtain permanent housing for people currently experiencing homelessness and to prevent households from losing their housing in the first place. Increasing the speed of getting individuals and families housed while preventing evictions will help to ease the current burdens on the city’s shelter system and increase access to permanent housing for more New Yorkers in need, which must be prioritized in the current housing affordability and homelessness crisis faced by our communities.

    Comment attachment
    PublicComment_CityFHEPSAmendments_9.15.23_UrbanPathways.pdf
    Comment added September 15, 2023 6:14pm