Family Homelessness Coalition: "CityFHEPS Ruling is a Victory for Vulnerable Families"

The court's decision to compel implementation of the CityFHEPS expansion is a victory in the fight against family homelessness

NEW YORK, NY (07/10/2025) (readMedia)-- Today, a state appeals court unanimously ruled that New York City must expand access to CityFHEPS rental subsidies, a crucial lifeline for New Yorkers facing homelessness or eviction. The decision comes nearly a year after Mayor Adams refused to expand the program, triggering a City Council appeal.

This spring, the Family Homelessness Coalition successfully petitioned city agencies to offer impacted residents the opportunity to voice their concerns in person about proposed policy changes that would have increased voucher holders' monthly rent to 40% of their income in their sixth year of eligibility. Nearly 52,000 formerly homeless New Yorkers rely on CityFHEPS vouchers to keep their families housed and out of shelter. Cumulatively, 47,080 households have exited shelter with CityFHEPS vouchers between fiscal years 2019 and 2024.

The Family Homelessness Coalition has issued the following statement in response:

"We commend the court's unanimous ruling to expand CityFHEPS access for New Yorkers. CityFHEPS is an essential safeguard that's lifted tens of thousands of residents out of housing insecurity. With New York having recently hit record numbers of homelessness, this decision couldn't have arrived at a more crucial window for families in need. We know what's possible when New York City invests in CityFHEPS. Each new voucher means another family gets to leave shelter, a household at risk of eviction gains the supports to stay housed, and a mother and her children are finally safe from domestic violence. Without further delay, we urge the City to abide by this ruling and work towards a resilient CityFHEPS system that protects all eligible families before they slip through the cracks."

About the Family Homelessness Coalition:

The Family Homelessness Coalition is comprised of formerly homeless mothers and 20 organizations representing service and housing providers and children's advocacy organizations united by the goal of launching a coordinated, collaborative, multi-agency effort focused on preventing family homelessness, improving the well-being of children and families in shelters, and supporting the long-term stability of families with children who leave shelter.

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