NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - Mayor Bill de Blasio's deputy overseeing health and human services is stepping down. De Blasio's office says Lilliam Barrios-Paoli will take an unpaid position chairing the board for the Health and Hospitals Corporation.
"I am honored to have served in the de Blasio administration, and thank the Mayor for the opportunity to be part of his extraordinary team," said Barrios-Paoli. "I also thank my colleagues, my dedicated team at City Hall, Commissioners and agency staff for their excellent work and commitment, and for their support during my tenure. I am excited for this new phase, and looking forward to joining and chairing the HHC Board."
The move comes as the de Blasio administration has acknowledged a rise in homeless people around New York City.
Thousands are believed to be living on the streets.
In August, approximately 17,000 people were living in city shelters. And so with few beds available, the mayor has authorized an emergency measure that will provide rental assistance to adults facing homelessness.