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Commissioner Diamond Celebrates Mother’s Day at New York City Rescue Mission
On Saturday, May 12, Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Commissioner Seth Diamond joined other volunteers for the New York City Rescue Mission’s annual Mother’s Day Banquet. Throughout the course of the day-long event, actress Susan Sarandon and a variety of local television and radio personalities were also on-hand to serve meals to children and adults from City shelters.

Brooklyn College Hillel Brings Education and Fun to Children in Shelter
On Thursday, May 3, approximately 25 children from a Brooklyn shelter came face-to-face with an assortment of reptiles and amphibians, as part of educational programming organized by Hillel at Brooklyn College.

Prom Queens for a Night

Every girl deserves to feel beautiful on prom night.

That was the message delivered on Thursday, May 10, as a room full of striking dresses, shiny stilettos and sparkling accessories set the stage for the third annual Prom Dress Event.

View the press release

View coverage from NY1 here

DHS Unveils Citywide Prevention Campaign

“Reach out, before you’re forced out of your home: We can help you avoid shelter.”

That’s the message that the New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) hopes to spread with a new campaign, as the agency urges families at-risk of homelessness to utilize services through its Homebase prevention network.

Located at 13 store-front neighborhood offices, Homebase offers customized assistance to families and individuals, providing services such as eviction prevention, short-term emergency funding, financial counseling, and help in obtaining benefits.

The campaign was made possible through funding from the Federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). As a result, DHS aims to increase awareness about prevention services by featuring ads on billboards, subways, buses and bus shelters in 15 high-needs communities Citywide. In addition to the outdoor campaign, television Public Service Announcements will air in July and a Web video will be posted on DHS’ Web site.

“The purpose of this outreach is to continue encouraging New Yorkers to access Homebase prevention services before seeking shelter,” said DHS Commissioner Seth Diamond. “Through Homebase, we can serve families and individuals while they remain in their homes− the best possible outcome for everyone involved.”

View the campaign in English

View the campaign in Spanish

Read the press release

DHS Commissioner Gives Remarks at New School Event

On Thursday, May 3, 2012, Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Commissioner Seth Diamond participated in an event entitled “No Way to Pay: What’s Next for Homeless Families in NYC” Hosted by the New School’s Center for New York City Affairs (at the Milano School for International Affairs, Management and Urban Policy), the forum was moderated by New York Times columnist, Michael Powell. Panelists included Emily Youssouf, Vice Chair of the Board of Directors of NYCHA, Catherine Trapani of New Destiny Housing Corporation (serving victims of domestic violence and their families), Patrick Markee, Senior Policy Analyst and Director of Advocacy at the Coalition for the Homeless, and Steven Banks, Attorney-in Chief of The Legal Aid Society.

A focal point of the Commissioner’s remarks was the need to shift the public debate from the time-worn strategies of 20 years ago to new initiatives based on current day realities. Thus, all stakeholders in the fight against homelessness must recognize two essential truths: first, the family shelter system of yesteryear has been transformed into the most comprehensive and sophisticated in the nation, and second, state and federal funding historically used to finance rental subsidies, such as Section 8, and NYCHA housing, have virtually dried up. The City must therefore expand its efforts to link homeless families to employment and work supports, continue its award-winning efforts to prevent at-risk families from becoming homeless, and work with all stakeholders in developing new strategies to fight homelessness in the 21^st century.

Read Commissioner Diamond’s complete remarks

View the clip of Commissioner Diamond’s remarks

DHS Releases Results from HOPE 2012
On the night of Monday, January 30, more than 2,900 volunteers fanned out across the five boroughs to conduct the annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE). The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) announced a total of 3,262 individuals living unsheltered throughout the City - 614 more individuals that the previous year, but 1,133 (26 percent) fewer than in 2005.

Read the full story

DHS Family Worker Ultide Charles discusses the importance of legislation to protect social services employees.

DHS Joins City Agencies in Supporting Legislation to Protect Social Workers
On Monday, April 23, Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Commissioner Seth Diamond joined Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda Gibbs, Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Commissioner Ronald Richter, and Human Resources Administration (HRA) Commissioner Robert Doar to release the latest data on social service workers who have been assaulted on the job.

Learn more

How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Community partnerships lead the way.
Hot on the heels of being named New York City’s newest family ambassadors, the Muppets clinched the spotlight once again, this time taking center stage at the world-famous Carnegie Hall. Presented over two performances on Saturday, April 14, “Jim Henson’s Musical World” combined the symphonic expertise of the New York Pops orchestra, with the star power− and charm− of the Muppets. Among the thousands of adoring fans who filled the majestic tiers of the Stern Auditorium were approximately 100 children and parents from City shelters, who basked in the excitement of seeing their favorite on-screen friends come to life.

Read the full article

FAQ FOR INDIVIDUALS AFFECTED BY THE ELIMINATION OF ADVANTAGE

**On March 20, 2012, the appellate court upheld the trial court’s decision that the City no longer has to pay the Advantage rent subsidy. Therefore, the City will not be paying the rent subsidy for April or for any month thereafter.**

Q: Why is the Advantage program ending?
The final State Budget withdraws all federal and state support for the program which terminates the City's authority and fiscal ability to run the Advantage program. The City strongly disagrees with the State's decision.

Q: Will my March rent be paid?
NO. Since April, 2011, the City had been paying Advantage rent subsidies because of a court order requiring the City to continue the payments pending the outcome of ongoing court action. On Thursday, February 2, 2012, the court discontinued that order. Moreover, on March 20, 2012, the appellate court upheld the City’s right to terminate the program. Therefore, the City will NOT be paying the rent subsidy for March or any other month going forward.

Please note that the discontinuation of March Advantage payments is NOT an eviction notice. DHS strongly encourages current Advantage tenants to attend a Homebase information session. Homebase offers comprehensive services, including eviction prevention counseling, free legal assistance, short term emergency funding and assistance in obtaining employment and public benefits. By attending a Homebase workshop, Advantage tenants will receive assistance in planning for maintaining their housing. For further information, please call 311 to locate a Homebase office in your community.

Q: If I am an Advantage landlord, who can I contact to discuss the options that are available for my tenants?
During business hours call 212-607-6200, or 311 anytime.

Q. If I am an Advantage landlord, may I use the security deposit if my tenant is unable to pay the full rent?
As with any other lease, the security deposit can be used towards non-payment of rent or towards damages incurred in the apartment.

Q. Does the end of the Advantage program mean that I have to leave my apartment?
Absolutely NOT. The notices that you have received from HRA and DHS were only to let you know the status of your rental assistance. NONE OF THESE NOTICES WERE EVICTION NOTICES.

EVEN THOUGH THE PROGRAM IS ENDING, YOU DO NOT HAVE TO VACATE YOUR APARTMENT. If your landlord has asked you to leave your apartment or is threatening to evict you because the Advantage program has been terminated, please contact the DHS Prevention Helpline during business hours at 212-607-6200, or 311 anytime.

Q: What if I can't pay my rent - what are the options available to me?
DHS will be holding a number of information sessions for Advantage tenants at Homebase locations throughout the City. Please click here (in pdf) to view the current schedule of these sessions.

The City also offers a range of community-based eviction prevention resources including:

One shot deals may be available for families and individuals. In order to qualify, you will have to be able to show future ability to pay the rent. You need to go to an HRA Job Center to apply for a one-shot deal. You can call 311 for the location of an appropriate Job Center.

Families who are receiving or are eligible for Cash Assistance and receive a Housing Court notice may be eligible for the Family Eviction Prevention Supplement (FEPS). Families who receive a Housing Court notice should go to their HRA Job Center.

For more information go to www.nyc.gov/hra, call the DHS Prevention Helpline during business hours at 212-607-6200, or 311 anytime.

DHS Encourages Voter Registration at Puppet Show
On Friday, February 24, approximately 200 children and parents from City shelters were transported back to 1787, as they watched a performance of “Guess Who Signed the Constitution”− a musical puppet show that tells the story of the founding fathers.

Performed by the renowned children’s theater troupe, the Hudson Vagabond Puppets, the play was supplemented by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and was presented at St. Mark’s Church in-the-Bowery, in Manhattan’s East Village. Told through the voice of a 10-year-old boy growing up in 1810− a mere 23 years after the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia− the performance explains a crucial moment in America’s history in a fun, yet informative way.
Read more
View the photos

DHS Families Celebrate Kids Week 2012 on the Intrepid
On Wednesday, February 22, approximately 200 children from City shelters took to the decks of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum as part of the world-famous aircraft carrier’s Kids Week 2012 celebration.

Held annually during the New York City public schools’ mid-winter recess, the event combines dynamic interactive exhibits with an array of hands-on activities− all of which are geared specifically toward the inquisitive and growing minds of children.
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City Conducts Eighth Annual HOPE Survey
On Monday, January 30, thousands of volunteers canvassed the five boroughs to conduct the City’s eighth annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE). As one of the most comprehensive surveys of its kind nationwide, HOPE enables the City to efficiently allocate resources to the issue of street homelessness, ultimately aiming to help this population transition from the streets into housing. This year, DHS Commissioner Seth Diamond was joined on his survey route by John U. Sepúlveda, Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Additionally, DHS was pleased to welcome Adolfo Carrión, Regional Administrator for the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), at the Hostos Community College site in the Bronx.

Thank you to all of the 2012 volunteers, who once again stepped up to prove that one night can make a difference in the lives of homeless New Yorkers.
View the photos
See the coverage from NY1
Read the coverage from the Huffington Post

DHS Partners with Carnegie Hall to Connect Clients to Music
On Tuesday, January 10, the stage lights illuminated the Harlem Stage Gatehouse for an original performance of 17 flourishing musicians. Unified by their love of music, and their shared journeys to overcome homelessness, the group included senior citizens from the Valley Lodge Transitional Shelter- a City facility that provides temporary, emergency shelter to individuals over the age of 55.
Read more
Learn more about the Musical Connections program
Read coverage from the Daily News

3,000 Volunteers Needed for HOPE
On Monday, January 30, 2012, approximately 3,000 volunteers will fan out across the five boroughs for the eighth annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE). Conducting the survey throughout the early morning hours, participants will become the eyes and ears of the City– canvassing streets, parks and other public spaces to identify individuals living unsheltered.
Read more
Read the press release
Sign up to volunteer

DHS Partners with Chess-in-the-Schools to Teach Important Life Skills
Through its involvement with the Mayor’s Task Force on Truancy, Chronic Absenteeism and School Engagement, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) strives to promote academic success among children in temporary, emergency shelter. Building on this mission, DHS has now partnered with non-profit educational organization, Chess-in-the-Schools, to teach youngsters about the game of chess while simultaneously helping them to build valuable life skills.
Read more
View the coverage from NY1

DHS General Counsel Receives Citywide Honor
Since assuming her current title at the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) in 2006, General Counsel Michele Ovesey has exemplified great legal service to the City of New York and to homeless clients in need. On Wednesday, December 14, in recognition of her outstanding work ethic and impeccable litigation instincts, the New York City Law Department honored Michele at its 30th annual awards ceremony.
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Read the Law Department’s full press release

Commissioner Diamond Testifies at Congressional Hearing on Family Homelessness
On Thursday, December 15, Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Commissioner Seth Diamond traveled to Washington, D.C. to testify at a Congressional hearing of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity.
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Read Commissioner Diamond's Testimony

Tommy Hilfiger Foundation Hosts Teens for Holiday Event
As one of the world's leading brands for premium lifestyle fashions, Tommy Hilfiger has become a household name in both the industry and the department stores. However, the company's innovative take on preppy, all-American styles are not second to its commitment to giving back. Founded in 1995, the Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation aims to enrich the lives of America's youth, focusing on opportunities that provide educational offerings to populations across the world.Read more
Learn more about the Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation
View the photos

A Holiday Visit from Adam Graves
On Monday, December 12, the holidays came early for children at one lower Manhattan shelter. Joined by DHS Commissioner Seth Diamond, Councilmember Margaret Chin and former New York Rangers player, Adam Graves− the youngsters selected and received winter coats at an event sponsored by the Garden of Dreams Foundation
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Learn more about Garden of Dreams
View the photos

Celebrating the Holidays at the Radisson Martinique
In 1898, surrounded by the champagne sparkle of Broadway, the Hotel Martinique opened its doors to visitors from across the globe. Now recognized as the City's oldest operating hotel, the Beaux Arts building has been witness to an array of stories behind its walls- some depicting the wonder and amazement of well-traveled guests, and others more sadly portraying the struggles of families who stayed there during its stint as a welfare hotel.
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View the photos

(For May 18, 2012)


8,690	Families With Children

1,622	Adult Families

8,806	Single Adults

41,427	Total Individuals



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