New York City Mayor Eric Adams ended the city’s 90-day shelter requirement for a rental assistance program, effectively streamlining the application process for rental vouchers.
Adams announced the repeal of the 90-day rule on Friday to help the homeless population get affordable housing sooner, according to ABC 7 New York. The change went into effect immediately.
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“Today, we're taking our efforts to house more New Yorkers to the next level — building on our work expanding voucher eligibility, cutting red tape, and reducing bureaucracy that we've focused on since Day One," the Democratic mayor said.
"By removing the 90-day length of stay requirement for our CityFHEPS rental assistance program for individuals and families in shelter, we'll help more people exit shelter for permanent housing faster. To really build the housing New Yorkers need, the state legislature must pass a 421-a replacement, allow more office conversions, and lift the cap on housing in Midtown Manhattan. We'll continue to advocate for those changes and use every tool available to move New Yorkers into homes."
The 90-day rule once required New Yorkers to live in a homeless shelter for three months before being eligible to apply for a New York City rental voucher.
Last month, the New York City Council passed a bill to suspend the 90-day shelter requirement. Adams signed the act into law Friday morning.
NEW: @NYCMayor has REPEALED the illogical 90-Day Rule that made New Yorkers live in shelter for 3 months before they could even apply for housing vouchers.@chriscquinn: “I applaud Mayor Adams for finally putting an end to this unjust and unjustifiable policy.”
— Win (@WINNYC_ORG) June 16, 2023
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“The changes announced today will help us more efficiently provide families and individuals with the services and housing supports they need," said Anne Williams-Isom, deputy mayor for health and human services. "This new tool will help us to connect New Yorkers experiencing homelessness with more permanent housing."
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The change was made at the same time the city has experienced an influx of immigrants being sent north from border communities and states in the South.
The mayor is known for his support of immigration reform and has worked to address New York City’s immigrant crisis since taking office last year. Adams recently sued 30 New York counties for refusing to house immigrants and proposed a plan to house illegal immigrants in churches and private residences.