Mamdani names social services chief amid scrutiny over deaths of homeless New Yorkers

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani appointed Erin Dalton as the new commissioner of the Department of Social Services amid scrutiny over the city's handling of homelessness following the deaths of at least 20 unsheltered individuals during a cold winter. Dalton previously directed Allegheny County's human services department in Pennsylvania and is credited with reducing homeless encampments there through outreach. The appointment follows the resignation of Molly Wasow Park, appointed by the previous mayor. Advocates for the homeless have criticized Mamdani for reinstating encampment sweeps and not expanding rental assistance programs, despite campaign promises. While the sweeps will now be conducted by social services instead of police, concerns remain about connecting individuals with needed resources.

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