Chair Hanif on city outreach steps and constituent case
Hanif acknowledges DOF's SCRIE/DRIE ombudspersons, PEU's rent freeze outreach, and MOPD's housing access documentation, then shares a constituent case involving months-long SCRIE renewal delays that nearly depleted a senior's Social Security.
It's important to note that the city has taken real steps, and the agencies in this room deserve recognition for them.
The Department of Finance has maintained the office of the SCRI and DRI ombudspersons.
The Public Engagement Unit's Rent Freeze team has done direct outreach to tenants who failed to renew.
The Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities continues to document housing access barriers in accessible NYC, and this work absolutely matters.
I have seen the programmatic impacts and gaps up close.
Just this past summer, a constituent's daughter reached out to support her parent on a SCRI renewal, facing an extended delay of months on end and resulting in full rent being charged.
My constituents'social security was renewed.
nearly depleted, and she had little money for basic necessities.
Our office was fortunately able to connect them to the public engagement unit's rent-free office and resolve the issue.
But there are countless stories like this out there, and we have to do better.