Judita Francis testifies about 602 days in shelter awaiting CityFHEPS approval

And the first panel is...

Jadiah Francis.

Jadita, excuse me.

Jadita Francis, Akira Morris.

Elizabeth Mackey and Diana Ramos.

And we can start with you and then go down the line.

Okay.

Hello.

Hi.

Good afternoon.

Thank you for allowing me to testify today.

My name is Judita Francis.

I've worked over 20 years in the healthcare system, and I've always wanted to help others, which is what brought me here today.

At the beginning of this year, I was chosen to be a member of the Client Advisory Board with Volunteers of America, Greater New York.

I am also the mother of a brilliant preteen.

Currently, we reside at a Volunteers of America shelter.

I'm sure you are familiar with Volunteers of America Great New York, as they also are a member of FHC.

601 days ago, that's one year, seven months, and 24 days, I entered the DHS system.

Today is day 602.

Life happened and I found myself homeless.

I never thought I'd be in this position.

After months of living in the shelter, I finally secured a CityFeps shopping letter.

In April of 2026, I was matched to an apartment, but to this day, I am still waiting final approval.

I am doing everything possible to better our situation, looking for gainful employment, taking care of my child, and handling my end of the application process.

However, the issues with city FEPs are extremely frustrating, and there seems to be no sense of urgency by the three-letter agencies to expedite the process and see it through.

I have dealt with HRA erroneously removing my child from my public assistance case, placing us in jeopardy of losing everything, including shelter and pending permanent housing.

There are many more incidents that have caused anxiety and stress, but time will not permit me to share them all today.

Hearing that I have an apartment should be an exciting moment, but because of the hiccups within the system, it is difficult to feel or display that excitement.

You can continue.

Thank you.

We are given many labels, many negative labels, because we are temporarily housed in shelters.

I and many others are fighting to get rehoused, but the constant errors and delays have left many of us emotionally and mentally fatigued.

I urge this city and its members to address these issues with urgency, reduce administrative errors and delays, and support all of us who are working diligently to move forward with our lives.

Thank you for the opportunity to testify today.

Thank you so much.

But you could do this.

Thank you.

Yes.

Okay.