Members of the MEA Department of Homeless Services Chapter met on May 13 for a lunch info session and opportunity to connect with fellow colleagues.
The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) works to help prevent homelessness whenever possible and to provide assistance to those experiencing homelessness, and is one of the largest agencies of its kind. DHS oversees several important initiatives to help ensure that all New Yorkers have an adequate place to call home, including the Homebase program, running the shelter system, and conducting outreach drives to connect those who are unsheltered with assistance.
The agency has several critical objectives, with a focus on employment and prevention, including: to reduce the number of individuals living on city streets; to maintain shelter safety and sanitation; and to ensure that those who exit shelter remain stably housed in the community. For more information about the work DHS is doing to serve our most vulnerable, check out their website, or read this guide to services.