Posted on December 2, 2016 by Emma Whitford in Gothamist Gothamist, By Emma Whitford Staring down criticism from shelter-averse neighborhoods across the boroughs, the Department of Homeless Services says it’s going to compensate thousands of families willing to take in their homeless friends and relatives next year with gift cards and rental subsidies. The so-called “Home for the Holidays” program, first reported by the Daily News, is intended to move 5,000 families who have been homeless for at least three months in with hosts. “This new City effort will reconnect homeless families with families and friends, assisting them to permanent housing,” said DHS Commissioner Steven Banks in a statement.
