STATEMENT FROM BOROUGH PRESIDENT DIAZ RE: Gov. Cuomo’s ‘State of the State’ Address

  “In his speech today, Governor Cuomo outlined a clear progressive vision for protecting our most vulnerable citizens, continued economic development and job creation, a fairer criminal justice system, a more equitable educational system, greater infrastructure investment and a plan for addressing sexual harassment in New York State.

“In the face of a hostile Washington, it is up to state and local governments to develop plans to keep our city and state moving in a positive direction. Today, Governor Cuomo did just that.

“I have been proud to partner with Governor Cuomo on a variety of projects and issues during my tenure as borough president, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to make our city and state work for everyone,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

News from Councilman Mark Gjonaj : Swearing In

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, I officially swore in to be the NYC Councilman representing the13th District in the Bronx, I am once again thankful to the people of the  District for entrusting me to be their representative in NYC Council. I pledge  to continue fighting for a better Bronx and I am eager to get to work representing all of the unique and diverse neighborhoods. As we begin this New Year I would like to remind you that our District Office will be temporarily located at 3040 E. Tremont Ave. Room 104 , Bronx, NY 10461.  Please stop by or call the district office at 718-931-1721. If you would like to receive updates and stay informed, please ask our office staff to be added to my email list. Wishing you a happy a prosperous New Year and looking forward to working together.

Councilman Mark Gjonaj

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES HAZARDOUS TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 4

Winter Storm Watch in effect late Wednesday through Thursday evening

Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended Thursday and Friday;

Parking meters remain in effect

  The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a hazardous travel advisory for Thursday, January 4, 2018. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for New York City in effect from late Wednesday through Thursday evening. Snow is forecast to begin around midnightThursday, with the heaviest snow expected to fall during the morning commute. Snow is expected to end Thursdayevening. A total of 3 to 6 inches of snow is forecast, with higher amounts possible. High winds are also forecast Thursday, with 15 mph to 25 mph sustained, and gusts as high as 35 mph to 40 mph. The National Weather Service has also issued a Coastal Flood Advisory in effect from 9 a.m. to noon Thursday for vulnerable locations along the shorelines of Staten Island and Southern Queens.

A Winter Storm Watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that may impact travel. New Yorkers should prepare for snow covered roads and limited visibilities, as high winds can cause blowing and drifting snow. Commuters are advised to use mass transit where possible, and to exercise caution when driving, walking or biking.

Alternate Side Parking regulations are suspended Thursday and Friday to facilitate snow removal. Payment at parking meters will remain in effect throughout the city.

NYC Emergency Management also advised New Yorkers to prepare for cold temperatures, as the arctic air continues Thursday. Temperatures are forecast to be in the upper 20s Thursday, with wind chill values between 10 and 15 degrees. Temperatures Thursday night will be in the low teens, with wind chill values as low as minus 5 degrees. Cold weather can cause or worsen health problems. Certain individuals, including the unsheltered homeless, people with disabilities and those with access and functional needs are at an increased risk for injuries, illness or death. Others at an increased risk also include people who drink heavily or use drugs and become incapacitated outdoors, or those who live in homes without heat, and:

·         Are 65 years of age or older.

·         Are infants.

·         Have certain medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, high blood pressure, diabetes.

·         Have serious mental health conditions or developmental disabilities.

·         Have disabilities or access and functional needs (e.g. limited mobility, trouble leaving home).

New York City agencies are taking a number of measures to prepare for the upcoming storm:

NYC Emergency Management

·         The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated Thursday evening to coordinate the City’s response to the storm.

·         NYC Emergency Management is working closely with the National Weather Service to monitor the storm’s track to determine the impacts to New York City.

·         NYC Emergency Management is hosting daily interagency conference calls with city and state agencies and public and private partners to coordinate the City’s preparations for the storm.

Department of Sanitation

·         The NYC Department of Sanitation is pre-deploying 693 salt spreaders. PlowNYC will be activated and 1500 plows will be dispatched when more than two inches of snow accumulates, with additional plows available if necessary.

·         DSNY will assign 2,300 workers per shift. Workers will be assigned to 12-hour shifts beginning at 7 p.m.Wednesday.

·         Garbage/recycling collections will be suspended once snow operations begin.

Department of Transportation

·         DOT will deploy resources to assist DSNY with snow removal.

·         DOT’s Bridges Division will pre-deploy crews to East River Bridges.

·         Municipal Parking lots will be monitored and conditions will be addressed as needed.

·         DOT’s Arterial, Parking and Citywide Concrete Units, will pre-treat pedestrian overpasses, muni lots and step streets.

·         DOT’s Ferry Division will pre-treat and clear walkways at the ferry terminal. Ferry passengers are advised to allow extra time for travel Thursday.

·         Crews from JC Decaux will pre-treat bus shelters.

·         DOT will monitor conditions on the citywide Transportation network at the Joint Transportation Management Center with State DOT and NYPD, and coordinate efforts to address any issues.

Department of Social Services

A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the temperature is forecast to drop to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., including National Weather Service calculations for wind chill values.  No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. Should you see an individual who appears to be homeless and in need out in the cold, please call 311 and an outreach team will be dispatched to offer assistance. During Code Blue Weather emergencies, experienced outreach teams work to connect homeless New Yorkers with the following resources:

·         Shelters: During a Code Blue, shelter is available system-wide to accommodate anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless and is brought to a shelter by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins.

·         Drop-in centers: All drop-in centers are open 24-hours per day, including when Code Blue procedures are in effect, and will assist as many people as possible for the duration of the emergency. Drop-in staff and the dedicated outreach teams they work closely with each and every day can also make arrangements for homeless individuals at other citywide facilities.

·         Safe havens and stabilization beds: Chronically homeless individuals may be transported directly to these low-threshold housing programs.

·         Street homeless outreach: Teams will contact vulnerable individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists a minimum of once every four (4) hours beginning at 8 p.m. during Code Blue Alerts and once every two (2) hours beginning at 8 p.m. for Enhanced Code Blue Alerts to encourage them to accept services, including transportation to a shelter placement. DSS coordinates borough-level Code Blue efforts directly with partner City agencies, including but not limited to NYPD, DSNY, and the Parks Department.

Department of Buildings

·         DOB issued a weather advisory reminding property owners, contractors and crane operators to take precautionary measures and secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment during high winds.

·         The Department will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the City. If sites are not secured, the Department will take immediate enforcement action — issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

To safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

·         Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.

·         Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.

·         Store loose tools, oil cans, and extra fuses in a tool box.

·         Secure netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds.

·         Suspend crane operations and secure crane equipment when wind speeds reach 30 mph or greater.

·         Suspend hoist operations and secure exterior hoists when wind speeds reach 35 mph or greater, unless manufacturer specifications state otherwise.

·         Brace and secure construction fences.         

·         Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.

To secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

·         Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.

·         Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.

·         Close up and secure patio umbrellas.

·         Secure retractable awnings.

·         Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.

·         Buildings Bulletin 2015-029 outlines the requirements for vertical netting, debris netting and material-fall protection devices at buildings and construction sites.

Strong winds may cause power outages.

Before an outage:

·         Charge cell phones.

·         Gather supplies.

·         Turn refrigerator/freezers to a colder setting.

During an outage:

·         Stay clear of downed power lines

·         Turn off all appliances

·         Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed

·         Do not use generators indoors.

·         If you have a disability/access needs, or use Life Sustaining Equipment (LSE) and need immediate assistance, dial 911.

NYC Parks

·         NYC Parks asks park patrons not to walk on waterbodies (frozen or partially), and asks that they be careful when walking near them as edges can become obscured during snowfall.  For safety, signage and ice ladder stations are posted around all water bodies in City parks.

·         Parks will support the DSNY street plowing operation, lending 44 plows with operators.

·         Parks staff will prepare over 115 plow vehicles, 150 salt spreaders and other equipment for snow removal on park perimeters.

Winter Storm Safety Tips

For Motorists

·         Use mass transit where possible. If you have to drive, drive slowly. Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.

·         Four-wheel drive vehicles may make it easier to drive on snow-covered roads, but they do not stop quicker than other vehicles.

·         Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.

·         Know your vehicle’s braking system. Vehicles with anti-lock brakes require a different braking technique than vehicles without anti-lock brakes in snowy conditions.

·         If you are driving and begin to skid, ease your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go. Straighten the wheel when the car moves in the desired direction. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.

·         Try to keep your vehicle’s gas tank as full as possible.

·         Keep the name and phone number of at least one local towing service in your car in case you break down or become stuck.

For Pedestrians

·         Exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.

·         Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.

·         Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.

·         If you have to go outdoors, wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered. Wear a hat, hood, scarf, and gloves.

·         Shivering is an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Shivering is a signal to return indoors.

·         Be careful when shoveling snow. Follow your doctor’s advice if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart.

·         Be safe at work. Workers who spend a lot of time outdoors are at risk for cold-related health impacts. If you are an employer, implement safe work practices, provide appropriate protective equipment, and train workers on how to stay safe during cold and winter weather.

·         Limit alcohol intake. Drinking alcohol may make you feel warmer but it causes your body to lose heat faster. Alcohol also impairs your judgment which limits your ability to take appropriate precautions or remove yourself from a dangerously cold environment in time. As a result, alcohol actually increases your chances of hypothermia and frostbite.

Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, and can worsen existing medical conditions such as heart and lung diseases.

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops to a dangerously low level. It can lead to death. Symptoms include:

·         Intense shivering

·         Dizziness

·         Trouble speaking

·         Lack of coordination

·         Sluggishness

·         Drowsiness

·         Confusion

·         Shallow breathing

                                   

Frostbite occurs when parts of the body freeze, such as finger, toes, ears, nose, and cheeks. It can cause permanent damage. Symptoms include:

·         Red or painful skin

·         Pale skin

·         Unusually firm or waxy skin

·         Numbness

Call 911 and follow instructions, or go to the emergency room if you see symptoms of hypothermia or frostbite.

Fire Safety

·         Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in every room. Test them at least once a month and change the batteries twice a year.

·         Use only portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use. Space heaters are temporary heating devices and should only be used for a limited time each day.

·         Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes, and carpeting at least three feet away from the heat source. Never drape clothes over a space heater to dry them.

·         Never leave running space heaters unattended, especially around children. Always keep an eye on heating equipment. Turn it off when you are unable to closely monitor it.

·         Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip. Do not plug anything else into the same outlet when the space heater is in use. Do not use space heaters with frayed or damaged cords.

·         If you are going to use an electric blanket, only use one that is less than 10 years old from the date of purchase. Also avoid tucking the electric blanket in at the sides of the bed. Only purchase blankets with an automatic safety shut-off.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

·         Carbon monoxide comes from the burning of fuel. Therefore, make sure all fuel-burning devices such as furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters, and clothes dryers are properly vented to the outdoors and operating properly. If you are not sure, contact a professional to inspect and make necessary repairs.

·         Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector. Most homes and residential buildings in New York City are required by law to have carbon monoxide detectors installed near all sleeping areas. Owners are responsible for installing approved carbon monoxide detectors. Occupants are responsible for keeping and maintaining the carbon monoxide detectors in good repair.

·         Keep fireplace chimneys clean and clear of debris.

·         Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven, charcoal barbecue grill, kerosene, propane, or oil-burning heaters. Kerosene heaters and propane space heaters are illegal in New York City.

·         The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, trouble breathing, and loss of consciousness. Severe poisonings may result in permanent injury or death.

If a carbon monoxide detector goes off in your home get outside immediately and call 911. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get outside immediately and call 911. For more fire safety information, visit FDNYsmart.org.

Coastal Flooding

Coastal residents should be alert for updates and take action to protect property. NYC residents living in coastal areas expected to experience minor or moderate coastal flooding should take the following preparedness steps:

·         Prepare a Go Bag that you can grab in case you need to leave your home in a hurry. 

·         Learn the safest route from your home or workplace to safe, high ground in case you have to evacuate. This should be part of your household emergency plan. 

·         If you live in a flood-prone area, keep materials such as sandbags, plywood, plastic sheeting, and lumber on hand to help protect your home. 

·         Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW LAW TO COMBAT SPECULATORS AND TENANT DISPLACEMENT

Predatory Equity Bill creates “Speculation Watch List” to track rent-regulated properties bought by potentially predatory investors and target those properties for increased tenant support and monitoring to prevent displacement

  Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that the Predatory Equity bill, which will help curb speculation and displacement in fast-changing neighborhoods, has become law. Under Intro 1210-A, sponsored by Council Member Ritchie Torres and former Council Member Dan Garodnick, the City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development will publish a “Speculation Watch List” that identifies recently sold, rent-regulated buildings where tenants are at risk of displacement due to potentially predatory investors. The City can then target those buildings with tenant legal support and closer monitoring to protect tenants.

“Protecting New York tenants and affordable housing is a top priority. This legislation means we will, for the first time, shine a bright light on rampant speculation and greedy landlords who buy residential buildings with the goal of pushing New Yorkers out of their homes. This bill can stop tenant harassment in its tracks,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said.

The legislation requires that HPD publish the first list within 10 months. It will serve as a resource for tenants and tenant organizations, as well as an indicator for City and State agencies of possible tenant harassment patterns.

The listings, which will be updated quarterly on the City’s OpenData portal, will be triggered when buildings sell at much higher than expected prices, an indicator that new landlords expect to drastically raise rents and potentially harass tenants. This new measure is the latest in a series of efforts to protect tenants from harassment and displacement and comes on the heels of Mayor de Blasio releasing Housing New York 2.0, an accelerated and expanded plan to build or preserve 300,000 affordable homes by 2026.

“We need every tool in our arsenal to keep New Yorkers in their homes and safeguard the affordability of our neighborhoods. This new Speculation Watch List uses data to capture the signs of potential harassment and distress, and help protect residents from the threat of predatory investment,” said Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer. “We thank Mayor de Blasio, City Council Member Ritchie Torres and former Council Member Dan Garodnick, and the many housing advocates who partnered with us to develop this innovative new tool to root out harassment before it starts.”

“This Watch List adds an important new tool to help us keep New Yorkers stably housed,” said Regina Schwartz Director of the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit. “Increasing our knowledge of where tenants may be harassed or unlawfully evicted will help the City ensure that resources and protections for tenants are accessible to those who need them most.” 

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES EXTENSIVE PLAN TO INSTALL SECURITY BOLLARDS TO PROTECT NEW YORKERS, TOURISTS AND CITY’S INFRASTRUCTURE

Approximately 1,500 new permanent bollards integrated into the City’s streetscape will address security threats, promote pedestrian flow, and maintain safe and open public spaces 

  Mayor Bill de Blasio and the City’s Security Infrastructure Working Group today announced plans to bring permanent perimeter barriers, or bollards, to high-profile sites and to create a process to streamline their design and construction. The Administration plans to double its $7.5 million commitment in the September Capital Plan for permanent bollards in Times Square, and will commit in excess of $50 million to commence the broader rollout of new protective measures in public spaces, including 1,500 new bollards as part of an initial installation phase.

“In 2017, New Yorkers witnessed the horrible capacity of people willing to do us harm, whether it was in our subways, on our bike paths or in Times Square,” said Mayor de Blasio. “But we will not be cowed, and our expanded investment today in barriers and bollards in our public spaces underscores our resolve in keeping New York City safe from future attacks. In this new year, we can and will protect our iconic public spaces while New Yorkers go on living our lives, including by hosting a record number of tourists.”

“These additional safety bollards will allow New Yorkers and visitors to be more secure at landmark locations and other sites throughout our City,” said Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “They will also serve to delineate restricted areas and help streamline vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian traffic in these areas.”

“As our agency has dramatically expanded public spaces around New York City, we also work with the NYPD to make these spaces both welcoming and safe,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “Today we thank the Mayor for his leadership on investments to keep our city’s treasured public spaces secure, while ensuring that the public can fully enjoy them.”

In 2017, the City Council passed legislation requiring DOT and Parks to report on the number of bollards installed annually and the number of revocable permits granted annually to private businesses to install bollards.

In the wake of attacks around New York City in 2017, protective concrete barriers were installed at high profile locations in Manhattan. These temporary structures will be replaced this month by more attractive temporary blocks in advance of the rollout of the permanent metal bollard installation beginning this March. The installation of these permanent structures will be completed over the next few years. As they are replaced with permanent security structures the new, more aesthetically pleasing blocks, will be relocated to other locations identified as high profile. 

In identifying locations, the City conducted a thorough review of locations, including business corridors, tourist attractions and iconic sites, resulting in the prioritization of key locations in the City to be addressed with permanent fixtures under this plan. The City previously installed permanent metal bollards near the Times Square pedestrian plazas as part of a $50 million capital project completed in late 2016, and similar bollards will be added to additional areas in Times Square as part of this project.

 The Security Infrastructure Working Group, currently comprised of the Mayor’s Office, New York Police Department, Department of Transportation, the Department of Design and Construction, Public Design Commission, Department of City Planning, Department of Environmental Protection, Fire Department of New York, Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Management and Budget will streamline the bollard design and construction by coordinating with the agencies responsible for reviewing and approving bollard installations to conduct their reviews as concurrently as possible. The installation process for these structures includes procurement protocols and engineering reviews normally associated with capital work. 

For years the City, through DOT and NYPD, has worked closely with private landowners and institutions on security measures through the revocable consent process, allowing bollards or other security structures to be installed on sidewalks. NYC DOT has approved dozens of locations for such structures, which are paid for by the property owners.

The City looks forward to continue its partnership with the State, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the Port Authority and other entities to bring and facilitate protections on properties within the five boroughs, such as alongside the West Side Greenway.

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION EXPANDS NYPD-DHS JOINT HOMELESS OUTREACH EFFORTS

Coordinated inter-agency outreach efforts expanded from two to seven days per week in Midtown Manhattan; City adding 250 Safe Haven beds for street homeless New Yorkers

  The de Blasio Administration today announced a series of enhancements to interagency homeless outreach efforts. The Department of Homeless Services and the New York City Police Department are expanding joint canvassing and outreach operations in Midtown, Manhattan from two days per week to seven days per week, focusing on engaging homeless New Yorkers residing on the streets between 30th Street and 60th Street in Manhattan, with the goal of providing services and helping them transition indoors. Additionally, the City is committing to opening an additional 250 Safe Haven beds within the next two years, in areas where outreach teams are actively engaged with known homeless individuals who would be most effectively served by a community- and borough-based Safe Haven placement, which will assist outreach teams’ efforts to help chronically homeless New Yorkers off the streets and out of the subway system. With this new capacity, this Administration will have nearly tripled the number of beds dedicated to serving street homeless New Yorkers citywide, increasing the operating total from 543 beds to more than 1,500 beds.

“It can take dozens or more contacts to convince homeless New Yorkers to come off the streets and into permanent housing,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “The addition of these new beds and the expansion of the joint DHS-NYPD operations in Midtown will go a long way toward building the trust it takes to make these transitions happen.”

“The homeless are among the most vulnerable New Yorkers, and the NYPD is committed to helping them get the assistance and services they need,” said NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “We’re hopeful that the expanded outreach and additional beds we’re announcing today will help more people transition indoors. Homelessness is not a crime, it’s a major challenge that we all have to work on together—for the entire City’s benefit.”

“There is no single solution to homelessness and this Administration is leaving no stone unturned in our effort to help homeless New Yorkers on the streets come indoors and get back on their feet. Expanding coordinated interagency HOME-STAT outreach with the NYPD is another key component of our constantly-evolving strategy for addressing homelessness and always improving delivery of services to those in need,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “We also recognize that effective outreach requires supportive resources, so that a homeless New Yorker who is ready to come indoors can do so in a dedicated facility near local support networks. That’s why this Administration has made an unprecedented commitment to opening new capacity for serving street homeless New Yorkers, already doubling the number of dedicated Safe Haven beds to 1,300 this quarter––and that’s why we’re committing today to adding another 250 Safe Haven beds specifically for this population, expanding a proven-successful resource that serves as a first step for helping street New Yorkers stabilize their lives and transition to permanent housing.”

“Engaging our homeless neighbors residing on the streets requires an abundance of patience, persistence, and compassion—and it can take outreach teams many months of regular contact, building trust and offering services, for a New Yorker to ultimately accept that hand up and transition indoors,” said Department of Homeless Services Administrator Joslyn Carter. “By combining HOME-STAT and not-for-profit experience with the deep local expertise and relationships that our City’s police officers have developed in this area, we are increasing the chances of effectively making the connection that will make the difference for New Yorkers in need. With our additional commitment to new beds for these New Yorkers, we are further ensuring these individuals can access a productive path to housing permanency.“

Safe Havens are low-barrier programs targeted toward supporting unsheltered homeless individuals, many of whom may be resistant to accepting other services, including traditional shelter. Safe Havens provide an immediate alternative housing resource with private or semi-private rooms and flexible program requirements, which outreach teams have found are more effectively for helping chronic street homeless individuals stabilize their lives. Safe Havens only take referrals from street outreach teams, offer overnight beds, provide robust case management services, and have physical and program characteristics more suitable for helping street New Yorkers stabilize their lives in an effort to move them into permanent housing.  

In taking a citywide, multi-agency, community-based approach to addressing street homelessness, DHS engages with external partners to conduct strategic operations and targeted outreach in areas with persistent homeless activity across the five boroughs, meeting homeless New Yorkers where they are within communities. During joint outreach operations with NYPD, NYPD officers accompany HOME-STAT outreach teams as they canvass the area and jointly offer services to unsheltered homeless individuals, with the goal of providing the unique combination of services that will ultimately help them indoors. To further enhance coordination with NYPD, DHS and NYPD are increasing data sharing protocols: NYPD will now receive a daily list of real-time hotspot areas where HOME-STAT outreach teams may encounter homeless individuals more frequently. The NYPD will utilize this information to address street conditions, such as unattended or abandoned belongings.  

In December 2015, the City initiated HOME-STAT (Homeless Outreach & Mobile Engagement Street Action Teams), a citywide multiagency initiative to combat street homelessness in which hundreds of highly-trained not-for-profit outreach staff, including licensed social workers, canvass the streets 24/7/365, proactively engaging homeless New Yorkers, offering services and assistance, and working to gain their trust with the goal of addressing the underlying issues that may have caused or contributed to their street homelessness in order to ultimately help these individuals transition off the streets. Those outreach staff spend months building relationships by making regular—often daily—contact with street homeless New Yorkers: getting to know them, building trust, and sharing information about the resources available to them. It can take months of persistent and compassionate engagement to successfully connect street homeless individuals with City services. In the past year, outreach teams helped 865 homeless New Yorkers off the streets citywide, thanks to new investments and a doubling of the size of those teams.

Not-for-profit service provider partners who conduct citywide outreach efforts also have psychiatrists who perform psychiatric evaluations on the streets and thereby help outreach teams understand and better meet the individual needs of each street homeless New Yorker. These clinicians and psychiatrists help outreach teams make more effective connections with clients who may be difficult to engage, in many cases due to significant mental health challenges. HOME-STAT also provides aftercare services, continuing to work with individuals who receive placements to ensure that they get the supports they need to remain in housing and off of the street.

As part of the City’s commitment to redoubling those efforts, the de Blasio Administration has committed unprecedented new resources to street  outreach programs and providers:

·  Investing further in street homeless programs and not-for-profit partners who coordinate outreach across the five boroughs, including doubling investments in street homeless programs funding from $49.2M (118%) from $41.8M in FY14 to $91M in FY18;

·  Adding new staff, including canvassers and analysts, to expand the scope, reach, and focus of outreach efforts, more-than doubling the number of outreach staff canvassing the streets engaging street homeless New Yorkers;

·  Bringing new capacity dedicated to serving street homeless New Yorkers online, with hundreds of beds opened during this Administration, hundreds more coming online by early 2018, more than doubling the operating total from 543 beds to more than 1,300 beds, and this additional commitment to another 250 beds;

·  Increasing joint outreach operations with City Agency partners to utilize each Agency’s expertise, engage more New Yorkers, and offer more supports, including the NYPD, the Parks Department, the Department of Health, and the Department of Transportation;

·    Building the City’s first-ever by-name list of individuals known to be homeless and residing on the streets to improve delivery of services, with outreach teams now actively engaging more than 2,000 individuals known by name who are confirmed to be homeless and living on the streets, as well as working to engage more than 1,500 individuals encountered on the streets to evaluate their living situations and determine whether they are homeless as well as what specific supports they may need;

·  Enhancing proactive efforts after analyzing the first year’s results to further optimize proactive canvassing and outreach strategy, with a focus on more effectively mapping and understanding challenging hotspots.