New York Metropolis prides itself on being a beacon of range and alternative. Nevertheless, this promise rings hole for a lot of of our residents with disabilities who face a scarcity of accessible and inexpensive housing. This disaster calls for pressing motion, and an important first step lies in increasing entry to the Incapacity Lease Enhance Exemption (DRIE) program.
DRIE provides a lifeline to eligible tenants with disabilities by exempting them from future lease will increase, permitting them to take care of housing stability. Sadly, many who qualify stay unaware of this important program, and navigating the applying course of could be a significant impediment.
To deal with this, we’re placing ahead laws within the Metropolis Council that can:
Increase outreach: Implement focused campaigns to tell eligible residents about DRIE and the sources obtainable to them.
Streamline the applying course of: Make it simpler for people with disabilities to entry software supplies of their most well-liked language.
This laws isn’t merely a bureaucratic tweak; it’s a lifeline for numerous New Yorkers dealing with the specter of eviction and homelessness. In line with the 2023 NYC Housing and Emptiness Survey, solely 34 % of all models in NYC, each inexpensive and market-rate, may very well be entered with out stairs, together with sidewalk entry and to increased floors. The NYC Housing Lottery is one avenue for buying an accessible and inexpensive unit, however solely 5% of all models are reserved for tenants with mobility disabilities and a couple of% with listening to and imaginative and prescient disabilities, with no crossover. Discovering an inexpensive and accessible unit is close to unimaginable, forcing many people into unsuitable dwelling conditions and exacerbating current inequalities.
Addressing this disaster requires a multi-pronged strategy:
Enhance the inventory of accessible housing and strengthen enforcement of accessibility necessities in new building.
Retrofit current housing: Adapt current models to satisfy ADA requirements to extend the provision of accessible choices.
Tackle financial disparities: Acknowledge and deal with the distinctive financial challenges confronted by individuals with disabilities, together with decrease employment charges and better medical bills.
The housing disaster for individuals with disabilities is an ethical crucial. New York Metropolis should try to be a very inclusive metropolis the place everybody, no matter capability, has entry to a protected, accessible, and inexpensive house. This laws represents an important first step in that path. We urge our fellow policymakers, group leaders, and all New Yorkers to assist this essential initiative and be part of us within the fight for a extra simply and equitable metropolis for all.
Erik Bottcher represents the neighborhoods of West Village, Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen, Carlina Rivera represents the 2nd Council District which incorporates Greenwich Village, Union Sq., East Village, and Kips Bay, and Tamara Morgan is Group Partnerships Coordinator at Adaptive Design, a nonprofit group that builds customized adaptive tools for kids with disabilities.
