DOF testimony on outreach and administrative improvements
Shear describes DOF's outreach through senior center events, rent freeze clinics with elected officials, PEU's Benefits on Your Block initiative, targeted outreach to non-renewing participants, online application and renewal options, and a streamlined single application replacing separate initial and renewal forms.
Expanding awareness has been an important part of DOF's work.
DOF's outreach unit and Rent Free's ombudspersons participate in information and enrollment events at senior centers, Rent Free's clinics hosted by council members and state legislators,
and outreach and training sessions with community-based organizations, legal service providers, and social service organizations.
We have also worked with other city agencies to improve awareness of the program and to provide application assistance.
We have worked particularly closely with the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit.
Through PEU's Benefits on Your Block initiative, City staff provide eligibility screenings and enrollment assistance in communities across the five boroughs.
DOF also provides PEU with information on rent-free participants who have failed to renew on time so that the city can conduct targeted outreach.
We have also sought to reduce administrative barriers.
Applicants can now apply and renew entirely online, and DOF has replaced separate initial and renewal applications with a single streamlined application for most participants.
We continue to review and improve rent-freeze forms, notices, and other materials.