Work Advantage: New Rental Strategies to Prepare Homeless Clients for Independent Living
The New York City Department of Homeless Services has announced a package of reforms–from expanded prevention before homelessness begins to new rental assistance strategies that help clients move beyond shelter, focusing on work as the path to self sufficiency. The centerpiece of the reform package is Work Advantage, a rental subsidy which will help those in shelters secure permanent housing and reduce their reliance on public supports by rewarding work through matched savings.
Maryanne Schretzman, currently the Deputy Commissioner for Policy & Planning at the NYC Department of Homeless Services under the administration of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, leads research and analysis, policy analysis, program planning, evaluation, advocacy and information technology for the agency. She is an internationally recognized consultant specializing in the planning and evaluation of total quality improvement efforts in government and non-profit institutions in the U.S. and Europe. Prior to joining the agency in 2002, Dr. Schretzman was Deputy Assistant Commissioner for the New York City Administration for Children's Services. She was responsible for overseeing research design, management and implementation, including management analysis, contract management, and cross-disciplinary external research team support. Previous positions include various leadership posts for the non-profit organization Women In Need, Inc., where she helped develop innovative treatment programs to engage and treat substance abuse and alcoholism among homeless people. She also serves as Adjunct Professor at Hunter College School of Social Work.
