From the outset, there was a lack of community engagement by the Department of Social Services (DSS). I organized four meetings with the Department of Social Services (DSS), other elected officials, and Community Board members to raise our concerns directly to the Commissioner and to learn more about how DSS plans to meet the needs of the community and homeless individuals. 

There were several unanswered questions about this shelter and I sent them to the Commissioner in writing on November 4. In my last meeting with the Commissioner of DSS, on November 15, we were told that our questions would be answered in writing. The Community Board also sent in their questions and asked that it be answered ahead of the Community Board meeting on Land Use last Tuesday, December 7th - it was sent three minutes prior. My office got our answers from DSS the next day, which took over a month to get. 

Other concerns I have raised, whether it’s in Community Board meetings or during the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services (MOCS) hearing, include the lack of services for the homeless individuals. The non-profit slated to run the shelter has several unresolved issues in other shelters they manage and has raised many red flags regarding its finances. 

There are clear flaws in our City’s shelter system. These flaws have been echoed by those who have been inside a shelter system or those who refuse to enter one because of the stories or experiences they have seen or heard. To hand over a contract worth $195 million, given the flaws of the shelter system and without knowing whether the services provided will be sufficient to address the needs of the individuals, is irresponsible.

I have also met with Yonkers Majority Leader Corazon Pineda on a site visit of the proposed shelter site. We had the opportunity to meet with the business owners, who are being given no choice but to abandon their source of income and livelihood, if the shelter is put up. This reminds us how important it is that everyone who will be affected is brought to the table. 

It is the right of every New Yorker to be provided with housing but we are not doing our part as a community and as elected officials if we turn a blind eye on the system's flaws and simply surrender to bureaucratic directives. 

It is our duty as elected leaders to identify a problem, and to bring everyone back to the table to come up with a system that truly helps all New Yorkers. So as the plan stands, I cannot support the proposed homeless shelter.