? Thousands of Bronx and city public housing residents are facing eviction due to a federally mandated community service requirement.

Starting this year, the NYC Housing Authority started enforcing a rule that tenants must perform eight hours of community service each month or face eviction. Elderly, employed and disabled tenants are exempt. A City Council subcommittee heard both sides of the issue Friday. Advocates say the rule promotes community awareness and ensures residents ?earn their keep.? Some local officials counter that the requirement is comparable to slavery.

The community service requirement impacts about 20 percent of public housing tenants.

Related link:Community Service Policy Overview