
Image credit: New York City Council.
On March 14, 2023, Mayor Eric Adams signs Local Law 35 of 2023. The new law was originally introduced as Int. No. 522 on June 16, 2022, by Council Member Erik Bottcher. This law requires mental health professionals to be available in each Department of Homeless Services shelter that serves families with children. The bill would require a ratio of one full-time mental health professional for every 50 families. (more…)

Image credit: New York City Council.
On March 16, 2023, Introduction 124-A (2022) which was originally proposed by Council Member Rafael Salamanca Jr. was officially passed by the NYC Council. On April 16, 2023, it was officially enacted as Local Law 45. The new law requires the Human Resources Administration to designate housing specialists within all temporary shelters and to submit an annual report on housing specialists, ensuring that New Yorkers residing in shelters have access to housing specialists. (more…)

Image credit: New York City Council.
On February 2, 2023, the City Council passed Introduction 92 of 2022. The new law introduced by Council Member Diana Ayala will establish an advisory board to identify, report on, and advise on issues relating to accessibility at homeless shelters. Mayor Eric Adams signed the bill in Local Law 23 of 2023 on February 21. (more…)

Image credit: New York City Council.
On February 2, 2023, the New York City Council approved Local Law 26, which would more closely monitor the status of the City’s most vulnerable families—those who live in shelters. The new law was originally introduced in 2022 by Council Member Kevin C. Riley as Introduction 421. Local Law 26 now requires the NYC Department of Homeless Services to report more regularly on the status of families with children living in shelters. (more…)

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The bills encourage people to seek shelter by providing pet-friendly options. On August 26, 2021, the City Council passed two bills aimed to help accommodate pets in homeless shelters. Both bills were sponsored by Council Member Stephen Levin. (more…)