Velazquez Comments on Language Changes to NYCHA Phone System

Washington, DC – The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) changed its automated customer phone system today to offer Asian language options including Mandarin and Cantonese. The agency’s announcement comes a week after Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) wrote a letter to NYCHA asking that the system add these languages to its system.

“I thank NYCHA for taking this step to be more inclusive and responsive to Asian communities,” said Velázquez who represents Manhattan’s Chinatown and Sunset Park. “Absent this change, many NYCHA residents could encounter problems getting maintenance assistance or simply securing housing.”

Velázquez wrote her letter after hearing from a constituent in New York’s 7th district who brought the issue to her attention. The Congresswoman's letter noted that NYCHA’s Customer Contact Center’s automated telephone system directs callers, in English, to press “1” for English; directs, in Spanish, Spanish callers to press “2” for Spanish; and then directs all other callers, again in English, to press “3” or stay on the line for assistance.

“This change was overdue and I’m glad to see it being addressed,” Velázquez added. “We must continue working to make all elements of NYCHA more responsive to New York’s diverse communities.”

In addition to adding Mandarin and Cantonese, NYCHA said it would be including a Russian language option. Over 7,900 NYCHA families are Asian immigrants or of Asian heritage.

# # #