Intergovernmental Affairs Hosts Public Housing and Section 8 Workshop
Community liaisons for elected officials are often called upon by NYCHA’s customers for assistance with the Authority’s public housing and Section 8 programs. On September 30, almost 100 of these frontline aides to City Council Members, State Assembly Members, State Senators, and Congress Members filled the Ceremonial Room at 90 Church Street to learn more about NYCHA and its policies.
“NYCHA issues touch upon all levels of government and concern all people,” Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Brian Honan told the guests, many of whom he and his staff know well from past interactions. The liaisons frequently call Intergovernmental staff, each of whom is assigned a borough or other area, for information or assistance.
“Folks often don’t understand their rights and it’s up to us — on both sides — to let them know,” Mr. Honan said.
The presentation included an overview of NYCHA’s programs and a profile of their customers. More detailed information was also included on the application process, transfers, the definition of family members, apartment repairs, the MyNYCHA app, and how NextGeneration NYCHA is preserving public housing by making NYCHA’s operations more efficient and effective.
During the question and answer session that followed the formal presentation, Miguel Rondon, aide to State Senator Gustavo Rivera, remarked: “The Intergovernmental Office has been very responsive during the past year, but especially during the last few months [since new staff were added],” drawing applause from the audience. “It is good to reinforce things I knew and learn some things I wasn’t aware of, such as what qualifies as an emergency, so I can give realistic expectations to my constituents,” said Manuel Belliard, community liaison for Council Member Mark Levine.
In closing, Mr. Honan invited the representatives to contact him or his staff anytime, especially about reported instances that do not reflect NYCHA’s policies or guidelines. “We will be your liaison to the Authority,” he said.
