Cheryl Contento, Deputy Commissioner

The Division of Shelter Oversight and Compliance (DSOC) is responsible for the oversight of publicly funded shelters for families and adults experiencing homelessness across the state. Oversight includes the development and administration of agency policies in accordance with State regulations that establish the programmatic and physical plant standards for the shelters. Regulations require that all publicly funded shelters must be inspected at least once annually by DSOC, and that all publicly funded shelters, regardless of size, must be certified by OTDA by 2022. The overall mission of the Division is to ensure that individuals and families experiencing homelessness are provided with safe and secure temporary accommodations, and when needed, receive access to supportive services to help them with locating stable housing.