BY Erin Einhorn
DAILY NEWS CITY HALL BUREAU

Tuesday, June 8th 2010

Three members of Congress on Monday railed against Mayor Bloomberg and the cash-strapped city housing authority for failing to provide enough housing subsidies to needy families.

“This problem was created by NYCHA, and they must fix it,” said Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-Brooklyn).

NYCHA has been under fire since offering housing vouchers to 2,600 vulnerable families last year – then pulling them back due to lack of funds.

The agency has warned that 101,000 others are at risk of losing – or having reduced – subsidies unless the federal government steps up with more aid.

“I’m in Washington fighting … to get it right and make sure that New Yorkers of modest and low income can afford to stay in this place,” said Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-Brooklyn) in a City Hall rally. “I’m here looking for a partner today … for Mayor Bloomberg to stretch out his hand and say we will work with you on a solution.”

Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-Manhattan) called on the city to “step up to the plate and honor its commitment.”

NYCHA spokeswoman Sheila Stainback said the agency is “working actively and aggressively to secure more funds for its Section 8 program.”