# Oversight - Homeless Shelter Safety. (10/28/2026)

The New York City Council Committee on General Welfare held an oversight hearing on homeless shelter safety on October 28, 2026, with testimony from the Department of Social Services/Department of Homeless Services (DHS), shelter residents, and advocates. Procurement-related discussion focused on DHS’s portfolio of 502 shelters, most operated by contracted nonprofit providers, and facility maintenance: 58% of buildings predate 1980; DHS described 55 city-owned buildings in its capital program, with 31 projects in active construction expected to finish by June 2027 and remaining projects in planning, design, or procurement. For privately owned sites, providers generally handle routine repairs within their budgets; larger needs may be submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). DHS said it is reviewing processes to reduce repair delays, but acknowledged it does not readily track the number of privately owned shelters with significant capital needs. No contract awards, spending allocations, or votes were announced.

Members questioned oversight of shelter providers and security subcontractors. DHS said providers manage their security contracts, while DSS’s Agency Chief Contracting Office approves subcontracts; officials also clarified that the city can terminate its primary provider contracts and has exercised that authority. Intro 387, sponsored by the Public Advocate, would require annual reporting on critical incidents and shelter security measures, including agreements with NYPD or other entities; Intro 99 would report on family placements by ZIP code. DHS welcomed discussion of both proposals while raising privacy and measurement concerns. The hearing also surfaced resident and advocate concerns about unsafe building conditions, staff conduct, complaint processes, and contractor accountability. No votes on the bills were recorded.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Construction & Infrastructure, Public Safety
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 28, 2026

### Sources
- [Oversight - Homeless Shelter Safety. (10/28/2026)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZRN93S0y1g) - New York City Council