The New York City Department of Homeless Services (DHS) has failed to meet the needs of the unhoused, particularly those battling mental illness, a new audit suggests.
now – that DHS is not serving their best interests. Released on Dec. 1, the audit examined the outreach service’s assessment and placement of those experiencing homelessness and found evaluations deficient when it came to those with a background of mental illness or substance abuse and ultimately failed to give them the aid they require.
During the DHS intake process, homeless individuals are gauged in order to determine their needs and the kind of shelter placement they require such as substance abuse, mental health, senior services, and more. However, the audit alleges that one-in-four undomiciled New Yorkers in need were not placed in a mental health shelter.
The Comptroller’s office reported that auditors looked at some 17,244 homeless individuals who were in DHS’ Client Demographic Report and examined their current shelter/program assignment and length of stay. Of these, auditors found 3,022 who were diagnosed with serious mental illnesses that should have qualified them for a mental health shelter. However, 26% were not placed in a mental health shelter.
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