Chair Stevens on OCFS communication and contingency planning for federal cuts
Stevens asks about DYCD's communication with OCFS regarding potential federal funding reductions and contingency planning. Haskell confirms ongoing monthly meetings with state providers about the impact, noting the Basic Center Program funding has been around for decades but the city can only remain available to help.
Have you guys been in communication?
Because I know you said you've been talking with the providers, but have you been in communication with the Office of Children and Family Services regarding some of these closures that are potentially going to be taking place and how this is possibly going to impact
specifically New York City's RHY shelter system?
Yes, and it is.
In addition to being the assistant commissioner for DYCD, I'm the coordinator for the state.
So I am on all of the meetings with the other state providers.
And we have been talking about the impact that it's going to have.
And like I said, they are fully aware of our services and know that we are here, you know, to help them.
The next round of Federal Basic Center program funding is scheduled to begin October 1, 2026.
RHY providers in other parts of the state raised concerns that additional funding reductions could lead to further shelter closures, potentially placing additional strain on New York City RHY shelter system.
Is DYCD communicating with OCFS about the potential impact of federal funding reductions and RHY closures elsewhere in the state?
Has DYCD accessed how additional shelter closures outside of New York will affect this demand within the city?
And does DYCD have a contingency plan if federal funding reductions lead to increased demand for New York City RHY providers?
Yes, we've been in conversations.
And like I said, we have monthly meetings where we are talking about the impact that it's going to have.
You know, Basic Center is one of those federal funding that's been around for many, many years.
Back when I was a provider, we had Basic Center.
However...
We, like I said, the only thing that we can do on the city level is to be available and they know that we're here.
Yeah, I mean, obviously we could be available, but also thinking about like talking to OCFS.
How are you guys also preparing for this?
And I know Kafka is now having their, they're going to be doing their coalition now and bringing that back.
And so I know we have some folks from the.
From the state that's going to be testifying today to kind of talk about what this is looking like for them.
And so I think this is another thing that we need to add of our long list of things to do around of like, how do we make sure that we are, or the providers are prepared
for if something, we do see a huge increase and then how do we make sure that we're able to meet that challenge?