Tenants and their advocates argue that Mayor Eric Adams' inability to approve a series of measures aimed at increasing access to crucial rental assistance subsidies endangers the lives of certain New Yorkers and puts strain on the city's congested shelter system.

Homelessness In New York City.Photo byNathan DumlaoonUnsplash

Four tenants who face eviction are challenging the administration's decision to oppose a bill that would have allowed them to receive municipal housing vouchers in a class-action lawsuit against the mayor. The City Council overrode Adams' veto from last year to extend housing vouchers.

The mayor and the Department of Social Services say the proposal, which was part of a package of measures passed by the Council last year, would cost the city billions of dollars to implement. Furthermore, they argue that the City Council lacks the jurisdiction to expand program eligibility.

DSS Is Already Giving Housing Subsidies

According to official figures, DSS is already giving housing subsidies to almost 70,000 households and spending $1.2 billion on initiatives to prevent homelessness, including free legal representation in housing courts.

According to the figures, during the fiscal year that concluded on June 30, roughly 12,000 persons who had vouchers through the CityFHEPS program were able to find permanent housing. Additionally, 10,000 households that were living in shelters also had vouchers and were in the process of finding flats.

The organization referred inquiries to the city's Law Department and declined to comment on the case.

Defined Eligibility Requirements

According to Nicholas Paolucci, a spokesman for the Law Department, eligibility requirements for CityFHEPS are defined by the social services agency, not the City Council, per state law.

William Fowler, a spokesman for City Hall, also supported the administration's strategy for preventing homelessness.