Hudson questions on low LGBTQ+ count in DHS shelters, LL95 data

According to Local Law 95,

Q4 of 2025 report, there were only 400

78 LGBTQ plus individuals listed as being served by DHS when a typical day has at least 50,000 adults in shelter.

This is only 1% of the shelter population, while by comparison, almost 40% of the clients DYCD serves in their shelter identify as LGBTQ+.

What do you think the reason is for such a low LGBTQ plus population in adult shelters, especially given that many reports have found that LGBTQ plus individuals are more likely to be housing insecure than non-LGBTQ plus individuals?

Yeah, I mean, I frankly think it's the way, of course, that we are required to administer the survey, which happens at intake, is anonymous and

not related, connected for lots of very good reasons to anyone's placement or services.

And so I think it's just a voluntary.

While it's present and available, when people are doing and have all kinds of other issues going on in their lives, filling out a survey is probably not their primary concern.

And so I think, you know, I said it in my testimony, I think we acknowledge this well under counts.

The people who would identify otherwise in a different manner.

And so I think we do, I think, treat the system, though, as if it is more diverse than what we see in that survey and seek to have the kind of services and supports that will support everyone.

Thank you.

And then how is data collected for that report?

What sources are used and how and at what point during intake does DSS ask for people to identify as LGBTQ plus?

So the data for LL95 is based on individuals who meet at least one of the following criterias.

They are either in a TGNC designated bed, they are in ACE's place or Marsh's house, or they have self-identified as TGNC.

Okay, thank you.

I'm going to kick it back to Chair Fedeas.

To ask a few follow-up questions.