New York City is intensifying its efforts to tackle family homelessness, investing substantial resources to support those in need. With approximately 100,000 individuals currently residing in shelters, including a significant number of children, the city is focusing on enhancing its housing voucher programs to improve outcomes for families.
One of the primary tools at the city’s disposal is the CityFHEPS program, which provides rental subsidies to families living in shelters. While this initiative is among the most comprehensive in the United States, challenges remain. According to the State Comptroller, around 80% of families eligible for these vouchers are unable to utilize them effectively.
Take the case of Diamond, who entered a shelter in early 2024 with her infant son, Legend. Despite having a housing voucher, she encountered numerous obstacles, including landlords reluctant to accept voucher holders, delays in paperwork, and prolonged uncertainty that hindered her quest for stable housing.
Such experiences are not uncommon. Families often face extended waits, sometimes exceeding a year, as they navigate the complex process from shelter to permanent housing. This includes coordinating paperwork across multiple agencies, passing necessary inspections, and gaining landlord approval.
To address these issues, the nonprofit organization Anthos|Home was established with the aim of streamlining the existing voucher programs. The organization collaborates with city agencies, landlords, and community nonprofits to eliminate the barriers that delay housing transitions. By fostering a more integrated system, Anthos|Home aims to ensure that public resources and private housing work together effectively.
The results are encouraging. Families referred to Anthos|Home transition into permanent housing in less than half the time typically required. In the past two years, the program has successfully helped nearly 1,100 families secure housing, including Diamond and her son, who moved into their new home just three months after engaging with the organization.
Rather than developing a new system, New York City can leverage existing tools to make housing vouchers more effective. The key lies in enhancing coordination among public resources, private housing options, and nonprofit expertise. This approach is detailed in a policy paper titled Creating a New Way Home, which outlines recommendations for scaling the model of effective housing navigation.
The proposed citywide program would engage designated housing navigation providers, equipping them with flexible funding to address common barriers to moving in, such as necessary repairs, furniture costs, moving expenses, and brief payment gaps. Under this framework, nonprofit partners would take responsibility for matching families with suitable housing units, managing inspections and paperwork, and utilizing flexible resources to resolve obstacles.
By investing in housing navigation and providing adaptable support, New York City can build on its historical commitment to shelter and housing. This effort aims to transform the promise of housing vouchers into the reality of families receiving the keys to their new homes.
Laura Lazarus, CEO and co-founder of Anthos|Home, emphasizes the importance of these strategies in ensuring families achieve lasting stability. To learn more about their initiatives, visit anthoshome.org.
