Audit Reveals Issues in NYC Housing Voucher Program

A recent audit by New York State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has criticized the management of the City Family Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (CityFHEPS) program, highlighting inefficiencies that have caused significant delays in helping homeless families secure permanent housing. The report revealed that families typically face an average wait of 292 days, nearly 10 months, to get approved for housing vouchers, with some waiting as long as three years. The audit pointed to weak oversight by the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS), which has been accused of failing to conduct regular inspections and allowing hazardous living conditions to persist. In response, DSS has disputed the audit's findings, claiming it reflects inaccuracies and fails to acknowledge their overall achievements in connecting families to housing. The urgency of improving the CityFHEPS program is underscored by New York City’s ongoing housing affordability crisis, which has left many vulnerable families in dire situations. The audit's findings align with concerns raised by affordable housing advocates about the bureaucratic hurdles faced by voucher holders in the competitive rental market.