New York, NY—Today, a state appeals court sided with the New York City Council, ordering the city to implement a set of laws expanding the CityFHEPS housing voucher program. The package of legislation would support low-income New Yorkers by reducing the cost of utilities for voucher-holders and no longer requiring those applying for the housing voucher to have previously lived in a shelter.
The decision follows a year-long legal battle, during which Manhattan Supreme Court Judge Lyle Frank struck down a lawsuit that would have compelled the Adams administration and the Department of Homeless Services to implement the CityFHEPS housing voucher package passed by the City Council in May 2023. The legislation was passed to expand eligibility for CityFHEPS housing vouchers for low-income New Yorkers facing eviction or homelessness.
Murad Awawdeh, President and CEO, New York Immigration Coalition:
“Today’s court ruling is a hard-fought victory for low-income New Yorkers who have been pushed to the edge by our city’s affordability and housing crisis. The expansion of CityFHEPS will provide thousands of families facing eviction and homelessness with a much-needed lifeline, offering the chance to build a home with stability and dignity. We congratulate NYC Council Speaker and the entire New York City Council for fighting for our communities and leading this legal fight. We look forward to continuing the fight to ensure that everyone who calls this city home–regardless of immigration status– has access to safe, stable housing through further expansion of access to CityFHEPS. All New Yorkers deserve to have the support they need to move from barely surviving to thriving–able to put down roots, contribute to their neighborhoods, and build stronger futures.”