Int 0342-2006

Be it enacted by the Council as follows: Section 1. Chapter one of title 21 of the administrative code of the city of New York is hereby amended by adding a new section 21-134 to read as follows: §21-134. a. Definitions. 1. “Additional supplement” means a rent supplement, authorized by this section, to ensure stability of permanent housing for recipients of housing stability plus, which shall not exceed the amount of the supplement reduction. 2. “Covered agency” means the department of homeless services, the human resources administration/department of social services or the administration for children’s services. 3. “Housing stability plus” means the rental supplement program currently administered by covered agencies as housing stability plus or any subsequent city-administered, time-limited program to offer rent subsidies to persons who are ready to leave shelter for permanent residency or families reunifying from foster care where the only barrier to reunification is housing. 4. “Recipient” means a person who receives housing stability plus. 5. “Supplement reduction” means a 20 percent annual reduction in the amount of the rental supplement dictated by the terms of housing stability plus. b. Any recipient who faces a supplement reduction and who meets the criteria set forth in subdivision c of this section shall be eligible for an additional supplement to ensure ongoing housing stability. c. To be eligible for an additional supplement under the terms of this section, a recipient must: 1. demonstrate that the supplement reduction will subject the recipient to the risk of losing permanent housing; and 2. be receiving housing stability plus. d. Notification. No less than 45 days prior to any supplement reduction, a covered agency shall notify the recipient of the date on which the supplement reduction will take effect; the availability of the additional supplement set forth in this section; and the process for applying for the additional supplement. e. Rules. The commissioner of the department of homeless services shall promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. §2. This local law shall take effect 180 days after its enactment. L.S. 420 J.D.S. 4/18/06