The Legal Aid Society is accusing the City of New York of failing to act on a key program meant to prevent homelessness. The program, CityFHEPS, is designed to help people at risk of losing their homes or those already in shelters, but a recent court ruling has prevented the program from expanding.

"People are being evicted every day, and we’re powerless to help them," says Edward Josephson, supervising attorney at the Legal Aid Society.

The Legal Aid Society, along with the New York City Council, filed an appeal against Mayor Eric Adams. They claim the mayor has refused to follow new laws passed by the City Council that were meant to improve the CityFHEPS program.

Josephson provided an example of how the current system fails people: “One of our plaintiffs receives a disability check of $1,200 a month, and her rent is also $1,200. Under the current city program, she would have to lose her apartment, go into a shelter, get a voucher, and then find an apartment costing $2,400 a month.”

The City Council saw this process as inefficient and changed the laws to fix it. However, in August, a court ruled that the City Council didn't have the authority to make changes to social services laws.

“The council has been legislating on social services for decades,” Josephson said. “We think the judge was way off base.”

In response, City Hall said it has already helped thousands of people through CityFHEPS and other programs. A spokesperson said in part, “Despite approximately 10,000 households still trying to use their CityFHEPS vouchers to find permanent housing, the Adams administration has helped over 30,000 households exit shelter using CityFHEPS and other programs since taking office. We remain committed to connecting New Yorkers in need with safe, affordable, permanent housing.”

Josephson argues that the mayor should have started using the City Council’s new laws back in January. He believes the delay is making it harder for New Yorkers in need.

“The mayor’s policy is extremely misguided. It hurts the most vulnerable families in the city, and at the same time, it will cost the city more money instead of saving money,” he said.

The mayor is now required to file his response to the appeal, and Legal Aid will reply. The case is scheduled to be heard in court in December.