The Brian Lehrer Show A Deadline on Expanding Rental Assistance
Mar 25, 2026
Christine Quinn, president & CEO of Win and former NYC Council speaker, talks housing and homelessness policy. She explains how CityFHEPS rental vouchers work. She reacts to the mayor's change on expanding assistance. She discusses who would benefit, cost arguments, administrative hurdles, and legal paths for broader relief.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
CityFHEPS Is The Most Effective Shelter Exit Tool
- CityFHEPS vouchers are the most effective way to move families out of shelter and prevent returns to the system.
- Christine Quinn notes vouchers cover the gap after tenants pay 30% up to $2,500 for a family of four, reducing the shelter revolving door.
Vouchers Save Money Compared To Shelter Nights
- Expanding vouchers can save money because nightly shelter costs far exceed voucher costs.
- Quinn contrasts $75 per night for a voucher-supported unit with ~$300 for city shelter and ~$400 for welfare hotels.
Appeal Contradicts Campaign Promise
- Mayor Mamdani promised to drop the city's lawsuit opposing expansion but instead appealed the court decision.
- Quinn calls the appeal a broken campaign promise and a setback to ending family homelessness.