In robocall, NYC mayor urges landlords to put up homeless families in exchange for cash reward

Mayor Bill de Blasio is asking New York City landlords to make vacant units in their buildings available to homeless families in exchange for cash rewards.

The mayor is making the appeal in recorded 45-second telephone messages.

In the robocall, he tells landlords they have an opportunity to fill vacancies in their building and receive a $1,000 bonus from the city.

The bonus is in addition to city funds that help homeless families with rent.

The Daily News (http://nydn.us/1AOtdxK ) reports that the money will come from the city's new Living in Communities Rental Assistance program.

The goal of the program is to move families from the shelter system into homes. Many families who qualify have full-time jobs but cannot meet moving and rent costs.

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Information from: Daily News, http://www.nydailynews.com