The NYC Department of Homeless Services’ contract with Westhab to run the Cooper Avenue men’s shelter is expiring June 30. Westhab has a history of poor performance, and the New York Post reports that shelter “has been the subject of 2,251 911 calls, 677 other emergency calls and 278 on-site arrests” since it opened in 2020, so one would think the City would be happy to end its relationship with the provider. Instead, the City is planning to renew the non-profit’s contract to the tune of $43M. It just so happens that Westhab’s VP is Valerie Smith, the sister of NYC DHS Administrator Joslyn Carter. Talk about keeping it in the family! Council Members Holden and Ariola have both requested that the contract not be renewed, and the shelter closed.