"Since its merging with the Department of Homeless Services, the Department of Social Services – already containing the Human Resources Administration – has been much more difficult to operate effectively given the breadth of its mission and mandate. Combining these entities may be a factor in our worsening homelessness crisis and the struggles New Yorkers experience in accessing critical services.
"We need to take this moment of a transition in leadership to explore transitioning our city’s approach and operations. Decoupling DSS/HRA from DHS in an effort to increase their focus and effectiveness could better serve the mission of each agency and the New Yorkers who rely on them. It should be clear that we cannot continue the structure of the past several years, which has largely failed New Yorkers most in need, regardless of who is in leadership roles."