"When CityFHEPS housing vouchers are valued far less than the units they’re intended for, they become essentially useless – all but ensuring that New Yorkers most in need of safe, stable, affordable housing will not be able to access it. Half-measures perpetuate the affordable housing and homelessness crisis rather than meaningfully addressing it, and as rents continue to rise, the current voucher value becomes more inadequate.
"Intro. 146-C will fundamentally transform the program, matching CityFHEPS voucher value to federal Section 8 subsidies. New York should be leading the nation in efforts to provide low-income individuals and families access to quality housing – but it must at least be on par with national standards. This legislation would be transformative for homeless, housing insecure, and extremely low income New Yorkers – it’s fiscally prudent and morally necessary.
"I congratulate Council Member Levin, the City Council, and all of the dedicated advocates who have worked for years to finally bring Intro 146 to a vote, and I look forward to the Council passing it today."