Sweeping NYC Housing Voucher Reforms Offer 'Real Hope,' Advocates Say

NEW YORK CITY — A sweeping set of housing reforms could make it easier for New Yorkers to stay out of the city's homeless shelter system, Mayor Eric Adams and advocates said.

Adams on Monday unveiled changes to CityFHEPS — a housing voucher program aimed at families — that expands the number of people who are eligible and make it easier to use.

Family work requirements will be lowered from 30 hours a week to 14 hours, monthly contributions to rent will be capped at $50, among other changes, Adams said.

"We're going to expand eligibility to include all single adults working full-time on minimum wage," he said.

The changes to the city housing voucher program have long been sought by advocates such as Christine Quinn, who is president and CEO of Win, the city's largest provider of shelter and supportive housing for homeless families.

Quinn, who appeared alongside Adams for the announcement, praised the reforms.

"These reforms are not false hope, they are real hope," she said. "And they are going to bring our families something to be very thankful for next week."

City officials didn't immediately have estimates as to how many New Yorkers the changes will help.

The changes to CityFHEPS are, as outlined in a release from City Hall:

• Expanding CityFHEPS eligibility to include single adults working full-time on minimum wage, even if their income is slightly higher than 200 percent of the federal poverty level
• Reducing the monthly contribution by CityFHEPS tenants who move into single-room occupancy units from 30 percent of their income to a maximum of $50 per month
• Reducing the number of hours families are required to work to become eligible for CityFHEPS from 30 to 14 hours per week,
• Covering the cost of apartment application fees for New Yorkers who live in New York City Department of Homeless Services shelters,
• Creating an option for CityFHEPS voucher-holders who choose to secure an apartment that rents above the CityFHEPS maximum to utilize a voucher by paying up to 40 percent of their income
• Expanding Supplemental Security Income eligibility for CityFHEPS families from an adult in the household to any household member, such as a child
• Piloting a limited bonus equal to one month’s rent for landlords renting to CityFHEPS voucher-holders in high-cost neighborhoods
• Increase staffing at the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) to speed up voucher processing and increase placements
• Increase New York City Human Resources Administration staff presence in Housing Court to ensure eligible clients get quick access to financial assistance that will allow them to stay in their homes
• Creating consistency across CityFHEPS, Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) and the Special One-Time Assistance (SOTA) program by providing a “unit hold” incentive payment equal to one month’s rent for landlords who agree to hold an apartment while an EHV holder or SOTA participant’s materials are processed.