Homeless Housing Subsidy Program Under Fire In New York

"The coalition, an advocacy group, examined city records on nearly 2,000 buildings into which the Department of Homeless Services had placed nearly 3,000 families and individuals. The placements occurred through a two-year-old rent-subsidy program, called Housing Stability Plus, that city officials say has helped nearly 10,000 families and others find permanent housing, amid a rise in homeless families."

"Two out of every five of the families and individuals whose buildings were examined were put in ones with an average of two or more housing code violations per apartment, the coalition found; one in five went to buildings with an average of five or more violations per apartment. The violations, including broken windows and nonworking appliances, are defined in city law as hazardous to health and safety."

"'In effect, city agencies are subsidizing some of the worst slumlords in New York City and in the process endangering the health and safety of vulnerable children and families,' the coalition's report concluded."