Decision Close About Shelter Eligibility

New York, NY —

The city is one step closer to changing how it handles families who apply for shelter but are deemed ineligible.

Currently a family found ineligible for shelter may reapply, and is given temporary shelter in the meantime. The new policy would change that. Most families are found ineligible because the city determines they have another place to stay -- whether with a family member or friend. Department of Homeless Services Deputy commissioner Carine Baromet says her agency will still try to help these families by communicating with relatives and others who could house them.

BAROMET: I think often times we forget that person -- the one who has to open their doors back in -- and its also hearing them and hearing what their issues are..

Homeless advocates say the city makes too many mistakes in the eligibility process, and they predict children and their parents will end up on the streets. The state has approved the policy change and now a judge must approve it. The city wants to begin the new policy this summer.