Farías questions on Ace's Place oversight and reported conditions

And then just going back to ACE's place, what type of inspection and oversight is taking place there?

Is that where you mentioned you visited recently, Commissioner?

I just want to note that there have been recent reports of subpar living conditions, safety issues, and harassment.

So it would be great if you can just provide an update on how DSS is handling these issues and what type of oversight you all are providing.

Sorry.

Yes.

Thank you for the question.

It's my understanding that some of the complaints that you're referring to were related to facility issues when the pipes burst during the extended code blue.

And that was addressed expediently and clients were moved to rooms with heat and water.

We certainly take all complaints very seriously.

There's an assigned DHS program administrator who works closely with ACE's place to ensure compliance.

There were also complaints about alleged client harassment that were investigated and resulted in continued discussions with clients regarding respecting gender identity and expression of other clients and staff.

And additional training for staff was put in place to better support the diversity of gender expression and gender identity there.

Yes, and as I said, in terms of the actual physical conditions of the location, I found the shelter to be very nice and went in several rooms.

throughout the building, the offices, where the psychiatric nurse works, and so on.

And so from a physical perspective, I found ACE's place to be really nice with really nice outdoor space.

But that, of course, doesn't speak to...

How people might be treated there, which again, we take very seriously.

And I think just to highlight sort of the cooperation amongst agencies, coming into office, they took a survey of all litigations against the city dealing with LGBTQI issues, including there is ongoing litigation around that, around the settlement agreement specifically.

And so I just want to flag that those issues were brought to our office as well, including the letter that was sent to the mayor back in February.

So it's something that we have paid attention to.

I've been in touch with the DSS director of LGBTQI affairs, Brent Whitfield, and have also planned a visit to ACE's place as well as the other dedicated sites for TGNC people.

Okay, great.

Thank you.

And those are, you've scheduled them so they will be occurring or have you visited any of them as of yet?

Well, one was actually supposed to happen today, but then I got to this hearing, so we're in the midst of rescheduling that.

And the other ones will be scheduled.

And also it's going to be an opportunity to meet directly with the people that are being housed and also the staff.

Right.

Okay, great.

Thank you so much.