Hello neighbors and friends –

This Women's History Month, we embraced this year’s theme, "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations." This theme encourages us to reflect on the incredible contributions women have made throughout history and how these contributions continue to shape our world. 

At the NYC Mayor's Public Engagement Unit (PEU), we are proud to honor this legacy by empowering communities through creating pathways for New Yorkers to access essential city services and benefits. The work we do is driven by the determination and commitment of women who are paving the way for future generations.

We are especially proud to have amazing female leaders on our team at PEU - Adrienne Lever (PEU Executive Director), Isolina De La Cruz (Executive Deputy Director), Karen Arshard (Chief Program Officer), Eulin Inverary-DeJonge (Senior Director, Operations and People Management), Kristen Grennan (Senior Director, Communications), Jasmin Batista (Outreach Director, Tennant Support Team), Rhodine Louisaire (Outreach Director, Special Projects Team), and countless more -  and we are committed to continuing the legacy of women’s leadership in city government. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we honor the women who lead, educate, and inspire - not only within our organization but in every corner of our communities.

In a New York state of mind 🗽,
The Public Engagement Unit

The Tenant Support Unit's Rent Freeze Team, in collaboration with Senator Kavanagh’s office, recently hosted our **Train-the-Trainer** event, a vital information session about the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) programs. This training event in Chinatown was a valuable opportunity to enhance our outreach by instructing 25 people including public-facing staff from the Office of State Senator Kavanagh and the Office of Assemblymember Lee and community partners on best practices to help clients assemble successful SCRIE/DRIE initial and renewal applications. The SCRIE and DRIE programs, key components of the Rent Freeze initiative, provide eligible tenants with the crucial benefit of freezing their rent at its current level and exempting them from future rent increases.

The SCRIE program specifically helps senior citizen tenants by freezing their rent, ensuring stability, and preventing financial hardship due to rising rent costs. Similarly, the DRIE program offers the same benefit to tenants with qualifying disabilities, helping them maintain affordable housing. Both programs are designed to support vulnerable populations, ensuring they are not burdened by escalating housing costs. This session plays a crucial role in equipping partners with the knowledge they need to assist those who would benefit from these valuable programs, making housing more secure for our most at-risk communities.

To learn more about the Rent Freeze program or to bring a train-the-trainer session to your organization, check out our website at nyc.gov/PEU.

Steven, in his mid-70s, approached PEU specialists at a weekly table event with a vibrant energy, eager to share his experience. "You won’t believe how much this program has helped me stay in my house for the past 70 years," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. He went on to explain how the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) program had been a lifeline for him, particularly as he faced rising rent costs and struggled to make ends meet.

"I’ve been living in the same apartment for over 70 years. It’s home, you know? I worried I’d have to move out because I just wouldn’t be able to pay the rent anymore," Steven continued. When he first learned about SCRIE, he was skeptical, thinking it seemed "too good to be true." However, once approved for the program, he felt a profound sense of relief. "It was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders. I can keep my apartment, live with a little peace of mind. That’s something I never thought I’d have again."

Steven’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact programs like SCRIE have on individuals' lives. "This program has made it possible for me to continue living in the neighborhood I love, surrounded by the people I care about. It’s more than just a rent freeze. It’s a lifeline," he said. As he left, Steven thanked us for listening and shared how important the program had been to him. His words, filled with gratitude, reminded us all why we do this work – it’s not just about providing information but about hearing real stories like Steven’s, showing the profound impact that support and programs like SCRIE can have on someone's life.

At the NYC Mayor's Public Engagement Unit (PEU), our Home Support Unit (HSU) works to ensure every New Yorker has a place to call home. Joanna Edwards, a dedicated Housing Specialist, plays a crucial role in this mission—bridging the gap between property owners and New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.

Joanna’s approach centers on empathy, transparency, and relationship-building. “Not everyone who ends up in a shelter is a bad person,” she shares. “Everyone deserves an opportunity.” Her honesty with owners about timelines, financial incentives, and the realities of housing placements helps build trust and secure stable homes for those in need.
Joanna ensures that unhoused New Yorker clients transition into safe, decent homes by cold calling owners to identify vacancies and assisting owners with the paperwork after accepting a voucher recipient coming out of the shelter as their tenant. 

Her work has led to over 50 successful moves, and her passion is evident: “There’s nothing like having your own place to call home. Once you have that, you can flourish.”
👉 Read the full story to learn how Joanna’s dedication is creating lasting change in New York City.

The NYC Public Engagement Unit (PEU) uses community organizing principles to re-envision how the city provides services to its most vulnerable communities. Rather than expecting constituents to navigate a complex city bureaucracy to get the help they need, PEU adopts grassroots tactics to meet residents where they are — at their doors and on their phones, in their social media feeds, and in their communities. PEU combines this proactive outreach with comprehensive case management, and in doing so, builds long-term relationships between New Yorkers and their government.