2004 : PTH AND THE SPECIAL MASTER

PTH b rought homeless families to meet with the special master panel five times , i ncluding meetings where the special master panel came to PTH’s office. PTH won inclusion of some of our recommendations in their final report because of the courage of those families .

PICTURE THE HOMELESS Report to THE SPECIAL MASTER PANEL

March 1, 2004

Picture the Homeless identified the following critical issues that both individually and collectively constitute a pattern of abuse by the Department of Homeless Services of homeless families seeking emergency through the Emergency Assistance Unit in New York City. Homeless families are essential partners in identifying solutions, but the City of New York is accountable for the misuse of public resources and the violation of the human rights of homeless families. Picture the Homeless calls upon the Special Master Panel to exercise its power to immediately address these issues that are of an emergency nature to the families experiencing them.

 Eligibility

 Churning

 Language Access

 Education of Homeless Children

 Abusive Physical Conditions

 Americans With Disability Act/Health Issues

 Staff Professionalism/Accountability