I think you're right that a lot of public housing applicants are likely referred by city agencies who guide them through the process. That said, even making the expected waiting time more transparent would likely go a long way. (Perhaps something similar to what USCIS does with visa waiting times, something like "The family in XYZ priority category [such as being homeless, being a victim of domestic violence] that most recently successfully moved in to a NYCHA apartment originally applied for public housing in March 2017.")
I have to imagine that publicising information like that would make it easier for advocates to apply pressure on the government to take more action on housing.
I think you're right that a lot of public housing applicants are likely referred by city agencies who guide them through the process. That said, even making the expected waiting time more transparent would likely go a long way. (Perhaps something similar to what USCIS does with visa waiting times, something like "The family in XYZ priority category [such as being homeless, being a victim of domestic violence] that most recently successfully moved in to a NYCHA apartment originally applied for public housing in March 2017.")
I have to imagine that publicising information like that would make it easier for advocates to apply pressure on the government to take more action on housing.