NYC Council Unveils Plans to Revamp City FEPS Program Amid Homelessness Challenges

New York City Council members discussed new strategies aimed at enhancing the City’s Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (City FEPS) program during a hearing held on December 3, 2025. The session addressed the challenges landlords face with late payments and administrative burdens, which have led many to be hesitant in accepting City FEPS vouchers.

During the hearing, representatives from the Department of Social Services (DSS) outlined measures to improve payment timeliness. New technology will allow landlords to opt for electronic fund transfers, moving away from traditional mail and minimizing delays. Furthermore, an upgraded landlord portal will provide clarity on payment statuses. These innovations aim to ensure that landlords receive funds reliably and on time (Source: https://youtu.be/RJz2GQZIwqQ&t=4936).

Council Member Brewer introduced two significant proposals to expedite the process even further. Intro 1458 seeks to mandate a 15-day response time from DSS for applications, ensuring that applicants receive timely updates regarding approvals, denials, or needed corrections. This addresses concerns that applicants often wait weeks or months for a response, prolonging their time in temporary housing (Source: https://youtu.be/RJz2GQZIwqQ&t=2383). Another proposal, Intro 1459, aims to enhance transparency by requiring DSS to report on the average time it takes for individuals to secure housing after receiving a voucher.

Testimonies during the hearing highlighted that many landlords cite delays in communication and processing as major deterrents to accepting vouchers. Complaints of insufficient updates about payment status also surfaced, suggesting that improved communication between DSS and housing providers could alleviate some concerns (Source: https://youtu.be/RJz2GQZIwqQ&t=750).

In the fiscal year 2025, City FEPS has helped over 14,000 households secure permanent housing, with 87.4% of those benefiting from the program’s assistance. However, advocates stressed the need for ongoing improvements, particularly as the demand for affordable housing remains high, with a current vacancy rate in the city below 1.4% (Source: https://youtu.be/RJz2GQZIwqQ&t=1422; external context: https://getlocalpost.com/2024/12/19/public-hearing-calls-for-enhanced-housing-access-for-homeless-veterans/).

As discussions around City FEPS evolve, the council’s focus remains on ensuring that those in need can access housing resources promptly and that measures are taken to support landlords willing to participate in the program. The ongoing dialogue reflects a commitment to addressing not only the administrative challenges but also the practical realities of securing stable housing for vulnerable New Yorkers.