MSCC, Sharon Jasprizza, April 6, 2025

MSCC Homeless and Housing Meeting RECAP, Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 9:30 am-11:00 am ZOOM.US

SUMMARY

• Robert Robinson: Partners for Dignity and Rights: regular guest lecturer at the City University of New York Graduate Center and University Law Schools throughout the US and Canada; adjunct professor of Urbanism at New School: There is a need for viable alternatives to encampment sweeps, particularly in New York City, where the mayor is considering legislation to remove individuals deemed mentally ill from the streets 
• Norman Siegel, Human Rights Lawyer, Advocate for the Unhoused: The recent changes in legal standards for involuntary commitment in New York State, have shifted from a focus on danger to serious harm, creating vagueness around what constitutes a threat
• Damu Radheshwar, Architect, Urban Planner, and strategist whose experience spans a complex range of projects, topologies, and public space planning: When traditional ideas fail, it’s crucial to explore alternative approaches—this is where self-management comes into play

CHAIR: John Mudd

JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS

• John Mudd, MSCC, issued the 2024 MSCC Annual Report in January, 2025, which also outlines the vision for 2025
• MSCC is excited that a member of its community, Renee Keitt, was elected at the New President of the NYCHA Elliott-Chelsea Houses Tenants’ Association in Manhattan, on January 2, 2025. The election reflects growing tenant opposition to the demolition plan, proposed in partnership with Related and Essence Development, and highlights the demand for transparency and respect for tenant voices in shaping their future   
• MSCC is pleased to announce that on January 23, 2025, Rob Robinson, Partners for Dignity and Rights and a member of the MSCC community, a community organizer, and activist in NYC was informed he will receive the inaugural Loraine Brown resident leader Award on March 26, 2025. Rob is being honored for his dedication to advocating for the rights and welfare of tenants in public and assisted housing. His efforts aim to transform people’s fundamental relationship with land and housing

SPECIAL INTRODUCTION(S) AND OR UPDATES

• Andrew Bonfrancesco, Housing Works, Program Manager: OASAS at Housing Works provides a client-centered approach to substance use, high-quality medical care with outpatient individual and group therapy for all substances. Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) involves using medications to treat substance use. Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) provides medications that help people manage their opioid use. Re-Charge is a sex-positive space to learn about safer crystal meth use and explore strategies to help people manage their use. Overdose prevention interventions include education for safer consumption, Narcan training, and Naloxone kit distribution to people seeking safer strategies and resources. The syringe exchange and street outreach offer clean supplies to community members to mitigate the risk of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other STI transmission. https://www.housingworks.org/services/harm-reduction
• Lili Lopez, Outreach Specialist at the Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York. Lili connects individuals of all ages with disabilities to various services and resources
• David Warren: a member of various organizations and serves as the male Democrat district leader for the Chelsea Reform Democrat Club. David is involved in the NYPD Hate Crimes Panel and is a member of Community Board 4. Additionally, he works as a civilian employee for the New York City Fire Department and is hosting an endorsement meeting regarding the City Council race 
• Harvey Montague is an architect and urban designer, affiliated with the New York AIA Urban Design Committee. Harvey is particularly interested in the revitalization of Penn Station and issues related to affordable housing
• Rochelle Stearns, a retired New York City employee:  Rochelle is actively involved in various groups, focusing on homelessness and supporting individuals experiencing homelessness
• Dina Myers, the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement: Dina collaborates with landlords and housing real estate brokers to assist homeless individuals in finding affordable housing
• Sueranna Antoine, MainChance Drop-in Center: ongoing efforts to secure housing for clients, the food pantry and soup kitchen services are thriving, with increasing attendance, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and meeting their needs. MainChance is committed to enhancing the center’s services and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive essential support 
• John Mudd, MSCC: The MSCC website is almost complete, the annual report is available. MSCC is part of recent advocacy efforts related to a healthcare bill aimed at protecting retirees, there are ongoing legal battles and community mobilization around this issue
• Damu Radheshwar, Architect, Urban Planner, and strategist whose experience spans a complex range of projects, topologies, and public space planning: collaborative strategies to address homelessness and healthcare issues affecting retirees, a collective effort among community members and organizations to advocate for vulnerable populations and improve existing services

CRIMINALIZATION OF THE POOR

Robert Robinson: Partners for Dignity and Rights: regular guest lecturer at the City University of New York Graduate Center and University Law Schools throughout the US and Canada; adjunct professor of Urbanism at New School

• A troubling trend of criminalizing homelessness, particularly in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in Johnson v. Grants Pass, which has led to increased encampment removals across the U.S. The actions of California Governor Gavin Newsom, who has mandated encampment sweeps, despite pushback from local officials like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, are concerning. A recent incident in Sacramento occurred where an encampment of people with disabilities was removed despite prior promises of public land access
• As a member of the Institute for Global Homelessness, Rob is working to raise awareness globally and plans to testify at the UN regarding the issues faced by homeless individuals in the U.S. and beyond. The policies developed in the U.S. often influence similar approaches worldwide, demonstrated with countries like Brazil and Spain. 
• The current administration’s approach to homelessness, including proposed cuts to HUD funding and the appointment of individuals to key positions who lack relevant experience is concerning. The importance of compassion in leadership, particularly in light of the Supreme Court’s current composition, which lacks empathy for vulnerable populations, needs to be considered. There is a need for viable alternatives to encampment sweeps, particularly in New York City, where the mayor is considering legislation to remove individuals deemed mentally ill from the streets. Without appropriate alternatives, such actions are misguided, and thus a need for continued activism and pushback against these policies
• Made a phone call three weeks into the Administration regarding the related lawsuit, expressing his concerns to Deputy Mayor Williams and others, but they went ahead anyway.  A need for a collective effort to address the issue discussed, advocating for a humanitarian perspective in decision-making.
• The success of the “Housing First” policy implemented in Helsinki, Finland, in 2008, has led to a significant reduction in homelessness. Similar approaches could work in other cities, including Miami and New York
• A documentary titled “Beyond the Bridge” is being produced, showcasing municipalities successfully using the Housing First model to combat homelessness
• New York’s tendency to believe it operates differently from other cities while failing to adapt or change strategies have proven ineffective over the years
• A research project comparing homelessness in London and New York during the 1990s, shows that repeating failed strategies leads to continued failures
• During a policy forum by Women in Need, the ongoing issues at the Family Intake Center in the Bronx, indicate the problems have persisted for 18 years without significant change
• Stakeholders in New York City must wake up to the realities of homelessness and to rethink and change their approaches
• There is a necessity to think differently about political and social issues ans learning from successful models and statistics from other regions.
• New political candidates often conform to existing practices once they assume office, leading to a loss of unique vision and change
• Significant financial resources allocated to temporary housing solutions for the homeless is excessive
• There is disparity in funding: New York City’s McKinney-Vento funding ($170 million) is larger than the entire budget for homelessness in Canada
• Introduction of practices in Newark where homeless individuals are fined for refusing to move, potentially leading to incarceration. The discriminatory nature of these practices particularly affects minority populations.
• Bree is an activist in Newark fighting against the criminalization of homelessness
• A need to recognize and address the systemic issues surrounding homelessness and its criminalization
• Rob’s experience places him in a good position to advocate as he worked closely with the I AM Bound Community Coalition focused on environmental justice and food insecurity and lived on the streets of Miami for 2.5 years.
• Rob is reluctant to support campaigns like “Stop the Sweeps” as he believes living on the streets is dangerous and undesirable and people have the right to make their own choices about living situations but recognizes the complexities behind those choices. New York has 600 shelters but acknowledges they are not ideal long-term solutions. Rob’s personal experience of surviving in a New York City homeless shelter for 10 months, stresses the importance of a forward-looking mindset. Rob has  dedicated his life to sharing his story and helping others by demonstrating that life can change for the better. He recognizes the ongoing difficulties in addressing homelessness and believes in the need for community conversations rather than conflict.
• There are contradictions in social justice work, such as funding sources often come from organizations that contribute to the issues they aim to solve and thus there is distrust of non-profit organizations and philanthropic funding due to potential conflicts of interest.
• Rob chooses to volunteer without payment to maintain the integrity of his message and challenge mainstream entities to improve their practices
• A campaign from years ago aimed at addressing fines imposed on the homeless for quality-of-life offenses was an issue. The strategy where individuals wrote “No illegality alleged” on the back of tickets led to a decrease in ticket issuance. While this approach helped, it did not solve the underlying problem of homelessness and poverty. The lack of public spaces in New York City for homeless individuals, particularly regarding access to bathrooms has led to various campaigns (e.g., Free to Pee) that emerged in response to the challenges faced by the homeless. The issues faced by the homeless have long been present and influence how society treats different classes of people
• The struggle for human rights is ongoing and not easily resolved

Norman Siegel, human rights lawyer, advocate for the unhoused, Norman Siegel, nsiegel@stellp.com

• Many low-income individuals are not necessarily poor in spirit or outlook and prefers the term “low income” over “poor.” Street homelessness has been a public concern for decades and remains unaddressed in a systemic manner. There are ongoing challenges faced by the homeless and thus there is need for a more comprehensive approach to poverty
• Local, state, and federal governments have not effectively addressed systemic issues related to homelessness.
• To implement changes, it’s crucial to understand the origins of homelessness, particularly the impact of deinstitutionalization in the 1950s -1970s.
• State mental hospitals failed to provide adequate treatment for the mentally ill. Ken Kesey’s “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” illustrates the inadequacies of mental health facilities
• New York, under Mario Cuomo, pursued deinstitutionalization believing it would lead to better community care. The anticipated funding for community mental health facilities never materialized, leading to a betrayal of the promise made to the mentally ill
• Promises made about transferring funds to support community facilities were not documented, hindering legal action for breach of contract. Current discussions among local leaders focus on changing legal standards without addressing the lack of facilities for mental health treatment
• Deinstitutionalization left many without affordable housing options, leading to increased homelessness
• The closure of Single Room Occupancies (SROs) further exacerbated the issue, forcing many into shelters or onto the streets
• The shelter system is inadequate and often dangerous, leading to further victimization and increased street homelessness. Current estimates suggest that around 4,500 people are homeless on the streets, though this number may be underestimated
• There is a need for accountability and a reevaluation of policies that have historically failed to support the homeless population
• There is urgent need for community-based mental health facilities to address the ongoing crisis of street homelessness in cities across America, including New York. The Supreme Court ruling in June 2024 (Grandpass v. Johnson) permits local governments to fine and arrest unhoused individuals for sleeping in public spaces, even when no adequate housing options are available. This decision reflects a troubling trend of criminalizing homelessness rather than providing solutions
• Engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness, particularly in encampments, which serve as focal points for outreach and support is important. The disproportionate impact of homelessness is on people of color, especially Black men. The systemic racism underlying this issue needs to be addressed
• The approach of some local officials who dismantle encampments hinders effective advocacy and trust-building with the homeless community. Addressing homelessness is not a quick fix as it requires sustained efforts and genuine dialogue
• The Street Homeless Advocacy Project operates with volunteers who are not funded by the city, are committed to building personal connections and understanding the complexities of homelessness. A more compassionate and systemic response to homelessness that prioritizes mental health support and community engagement is needed
• It is important to build trust and rapport through genuine conversation rather than relying on scripts. Repeated visits to the same individuals have been necessary so that individuals are comfortable enough to accept help, illustrating that trust can take time to develop
• Many people on the streets have their own networks and often seek help when they recognize its value, as demonstrated by an anecdote of two friends who sought assistance together after hearing about the support offered
• The recent changes in legal standards for involuntary commitment in New York State, have shifted from a focus on danger to serious harm, creating vagueness around what constitutes a threat. They highlight that individuals who fail to meet basic survival needs—such as food, clothing, housing, and medical care—could be committed involuntarily. The potential for mass incarceration of the homeless, is a problem, because individuals living on the streets may have mental health issues but are not a danger to themselves or others
• It is important to maintain a legal standard that protects civil liberties, because of the 14th Amendment and due process. There is a need to advocate for more community-based mental health facilities that are inviting and accessible, rather than the current approach of institutionalization in facilities like Bellevue, which may not provide adequate ongoing support. There is a need to expand outreach efforts through the Street Homeless Advocacy Project, aiming for consistent engagement in neighborhoods to make a meaningful impact. The need for viable options and resources for the homeless is highlighted by the fact that simply moving people into hospitals without proper placements does not address the underlying issues
• Mental health is closely intertwined with the challenges many people face, particularly those who are homeless or struggling with addiction. As Rob pointed out, if someone is without stable housing for an extended period, they are likely to experience mental health issues, even if they did not have problems before. This reality underscores the need for programs that address both mental health and addiction simultaneously
• Additionally, a significant portion of this population—perhaps 10% or more—requires job training and placement services to help them regain stability and independence. It’s essential for local residents to take initiative, rather than waiting for government intervention. By engaging with individuals in our neighborhoods, we can offer support and options. If we can connect with people just a few blocks away, we might find that many are open to assistance
• We also need to work closely with the Department of Homeless Services, which operates around the clock. By collaborating with them, we can identify available resources and advocate for more options. If we mobilize a large number of concerned citizens—far beyond the current 65 who are actively involved—we can collectively push for meaningful change and more resources for those in need. While we may never completely eliminate homelessness, we can aim to significantly reduce it
• It’s about taking action. Every Thursday evening, Norman volunteers at the Staten Island Ferry terminal and the nearby park, to persuade at least one person to leave the streets each night. Over the past 30 months, we’ve interacted with approximately 1,300 individuals, and more than 575 of them have voluntarily chosen to leave homelessness behind—a success rate of over 40%. In contrast, many paid professionals in this field achieve a success rate of only about 10%.
• The real question is whether enough New Yorkers will step up and dedicate just two hours a week to help address this issue. If we can do this, it benefits not only those who are unhoused but also strengthens our community and city as a whole. By taking matters into our own hands, we can work towards alleviating the problem
• A thought-provoking editorial from the New York Times titled “Trump’s Test of the Constitution”  outlines several concerning actions taken by former President Donald Trump, such as firing multiple inspectors general and attempting to undermine birthright citizenship, which is protected by the Constitution. Recently, he also blamed diversity initiatives in the aftermath of a tragic helicopter crash in Washington, D.C., perpetuating harmful stereotypes about race and gender
• The goal of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is to provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of race, gender, or background. If there are issues with how these programs are implemented, we should address them without discarding their fundamental objectives
• We should look to the Southern Civil Rights Movement for inspiration. Figures like John Lewis and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. demonstrated how to confront injustice through nonviolent means. We must not let our voices be silenced. We see attempts to undermine the power of Congress and the justice system, and it’s crucial for legislators to stand firm and uphold the balance of power among the branches of government
• The Justice Department recently dismissed several prosecutors who were investigating Donald Trump, raising concerns about the integrity of our legal system. Additionally, there have been attempts to undermine Congress’s authority to allocate funds for various programs. This poses a serious question: where are the members of Congress? If the executive branch is encroaching on their powers, it undermines the balance of power established among the three branches of government: executive, legislative, and judicial
• There have been significant policy shifts, such as the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement and the World Health Organization. The ongoing ICE raids are instilling fear in communities across the country. Recently, the Department of Transportation announced that future funding for localities will be contingent upon their cooperation with ICE. This is troubling, especially since state and local officials are not obligated to engage with federal immigration enforcement
• There is a concerning proposal to prioritize funding for regions with rising birth rates, essentially encouraging government intervention in personal reproductive choices. This echoes past policies in other countries that did not yield successful outcomes. In a democracy, it is inappropriate for the government to dictate personal decisions regarding family planning
• As the New York Times aptly noted, Mr. Trump is testing the boundaries of authority and seeking to marginalize opposition. This is a dangerous test for our Constitution, which cannot afford to fail. I believe in the Constitution, recognizing that while it may not be perfect, its goal is to create a more just society
• Currently, there is a movement seeking to reverse the progress we’ve made toward inclusivity and fairness. We must stand against this trend and work to foster what Dr. King called the “beloved community,” not just in the South but across the nation
• As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday on March 7, 2025, in Selma, Alabama, Norman encourages everyone to join in solidarity. People in New York are gathering at City Hall at 1:30 PM on March 9. There will be speakers and, at 2:30 PM, march across the Brooklyn Bridge, coinciding with the march over the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma. 
• There will be marches in other cities, including Stockton and Nyack, to advocate for voting rights, civil rights, and to combat hate and violence. This is a call for unity in the face of threats to our democracy

DISCUSSION

• Luana Green, MSCC: instead of overt violence (like burning neighborhoods), systemic issues are now being used to criminalize individuals based on their economic status. During the pandemic, Luana’s organization provided essential services on 125th Street in Lexington Avenue, helping those affected by gentrification and supporting people who were temporarily displaced. It is important to recognize the diverse circumstances that lead to homelessness, and that its important to advocate for empathy rather than judgment. The challenges faced by low-income communities, including the closing of hospitals and the conversion of mental health institutions into luxury housing, raising concerns about where vulnerable populations will go for help. Politicians who are supposed to serve the public are often complicit in perpetuating systemic discrimination and criminalization

AFFORDABLE HOUSING & THE SCHERMERHORN SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PLAN

Damu Radheshwar, Architect, Urban Planner, and strategist whose experience spans a complex range of projects, topologies, and public space planning

• Served on the Manhattan Community Board from 2008 to 2012 and gained insight into community needs while working on significant architectural projects and engaged in public realm work, presenting projects to the community board. My experiences on the community board highlighted inefficiencies in public housing funding and management
• Studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science from 2016 to 2018, focusing on urban issues. I learned about global urban funding challenges, such as Crossrail 2 in London, during my studies
• Lived in a small four-story co-op building on the East Side, which faced disruption from nearby high-rise construction. In our small apartment building, we practiced self-management, which allowed us to maintain control and address our needs
• This experience fostered my distrust in large developers and highlighted the importance of community input
• Observed that proposed funding (e.g., $30 billion to $50 billion) often falls short in addressing community needs. Recent community resistance to the Fulton Houses proposal due to distrust in developers and fears of increased density
• I submitted an abstract to the Loeb Fellowship at Harvard University, proposing a pilot program for self-management in urban planning
• When traditional ideas fail, it’s crucial to explore alternative approaches—this is where self-management comes into play
• Key Components of Self-Management: 1. Assessment of Needs: Understanding the specific requirements of the community. 2. Capital Needs Categories: Identifying the types of funding necessary for different projects. 3. Housing Deficiencies: Recognizing gaps in current housing provisions. 4. Capital Funding Sources: Exploring various funding avenues to support projects. 5. Capital Commitment: Emphasizing the importance of commitment to ensure projects are completed. In summary, self-management is a viable alternative to traditional urban planning approaches. By prioritizing community involvement and understanding capital needs, we can foster more effective public housing solutions
• Referenced a project which involved building supportive housing in Brooklyn for the Common Ground Community (now called Broken Ground) in partnership with the Actors Fund of America. The initiative aimed to provide housing for homeless individuals, particularly actors who faced job losses during the economic downturn in 2008-2009. The project included Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units with supportive services and independent living conditions. The building was designed to be lightweight due to the challenging site above two active subway tunnels, leading to a costly foundation work of approximately $10 million. The ground floor featured spaces for Brooklyn Ballet, providing ballet education for children. A versatile black box theater was incorporated for various community events and activities
• A pilot program aimed at empowering NYCHA residents through self-management of housing was proposed. The program would include training in property management, budgeting, and physical needs assessments for properties 
• The design drew inspiration from the concept of “towers in the park,” emphasizing the importance of public spaces in urban environments
• There is ongoing concern about the loss of public spaces in New York City due to development pressures
• Recent engagements included discussions with the East Harlem community regarding the use of open spaces at the Jefferson Houses for community benefits
• A recommendation was made to measure the pilot program’s impact every 2 to 5 years to assess its success and effectiveness
• Suggested collaborations with organizations such as the New York Community Land Trust and the New York State Economic Development Corporation
• Possible funding sources include federal low-income housing tax credits and NYCHA’s maintenance budget, NYCHA has a budget for maintenance
• Reference to successful community development programs like the Dudley Street Development program in Boston as a model for potential success
• Emphasis on community involvement in decision-making and the need for tailored solutions that reflect the community’s needs and aspirations
• Explore federal resources, low-income housing tax credits, and other funding sources to support a pilot program
• Consider potential sponsorships, even small contributions, for the pilot program
• Evaluate ownership versus rental options for the pilot program
• Discuss with stakeholders the possibility of two different pilot programs
• Investigate the $100,000 down payment assistance for first-time buyers in New York City
• Look into the 5 Arrow Plan and funds available for preserving old buildings
• Identify funding from Mitchell Lama and Home Fix programs for housing preservation
• Promote the growth of community land trusts and tenant unions
• Allocate resources for capacity building among residents to support self-management.
• Highlight the involvement of EDC, HPD, and private activity bonds
• Encourage collaborative input and ideas from participants
• Emphasize the need for action and urgency in improving public housing
• Gather and refine ideas for effective advocacy and submission to relevant institutions

DISCUSSION

• Robert Robinson, Partners for Dignity and Rights: discusses the challenges associated with new construction in the city, particularly the impact of capitalism on land acquisition, which he believes complicates the process for well-intentioned developers. He highlights the lengthy and complex financing required for construction projects and emphasizes the need for better public education on the value of community land trusts and long-term investments. He expresses concern over the profit-driven mindset of some community members and calls for a shift in attitude towards more collective thinking. Rob shares his experience serving on the board of Cooper Square Community Land Trust and Gill Community Partners, mentioning the difficulties faced in bringing projects to fruition
• Damu Radheshwar, Architect, Urban Planner, and strategist whose experience spans a complex range of projects, topologies, and public space planning: shares experience with a challenging construction site that required substantial financial investment before building could commence. The site was given to a developer for just $1 due to its complexity and highlights the financial burdens associated with long-term bonds. There are difficulties in managing such projects, reinforcing the notion that innovative solutions and partnerships are necessary to navigate the complexities of urban development
• Robert Robinson, Partners for Dignity and Rights: emphasizes the need for the removal of regulations that hinder positive construction and development in urban areas. There are many existing rules that prevent progress. It is important to address systemic disinvestment, particularly in cities like New York. A need to advocate for government subsidies to support individuals who struggle with high rents, and its important to highlight that public housing is exacerbated by corporate greed and a lack of investment. While many cities have dismantled public housing, New York’s situation is complicated by the large population relying on it
• Damu Radheshwar, Architect, Urban Planner, and strategist whose experience spans a complex range of projects, topologies, and public space planning: The importance of safety and livability in housing design can not be overstated.  The Bowery homeless center, which features small, dignified living spaces with essential services is a great example. There are challenges of creating livable environments in urban settings, as seen when doing comparisons between public housing in the U.S. and social housing in Europe. A shift in terminology from “public housing” to “social housing” better reflects the communities these spaces serve, while acknowledging the need for continued collaboration among stakeholders to improve housing conditions
• John Mudd, MSCC: highlights the importance of building communities around social housing, suggesting that supportive services can foster a sense of belonging and community engagement. Appealing living environments are essential for the success of social housing initiatives
• Renee Keitt, President of the NYCHA Elliott-Chelsea Houses Tenants’ Association in Manhattan: There is a necessity of subsidizing housing. Subsidies already exist across the U.S., including tax breaks for homeowners. The destruction of Pruitt-Igoe was not due to a lack of desire to live there but rather systemic issues like disinvestment and infrastructure neglect. A land grab mentality has led to the displacement of original residents, and the poor quality of modern housing construction and maintenance is an issue to be addressed
• Robert Robinson, Partners for Dignity and Rights: The significant financial advantages provided to homeowners through mortgage tax deductions disproportionately benefit homeowners over low-income individuals. Eliminating the mortgage tax deduction could resolve many issues related to public housing
• John Mudd, MSCC: The topic of mortgage tax deductions and housing subsidies be added to the agenda for the next meeting 
• Damu Radheshwar, Architect, Urban Planner, and strategist whose experience spans a complex range of projects, topologies, and public space planning:  It is important for people to provide their thoughts and experiences related to the addendum and encourages collaboration for future discussions. Additionally, it is beneficial to reach out to a person involved in homeless housing initiatives in California and to looking to successful housing models from European cities
• Renee Keitt, President of the NYCHA Elliott-Chelsea Houses Tenants’ Association in Manhattan: discusses the insights gained from the book “Public Housing Revolution,” particularly its application in neighborhoods like Fulton and Elliott, Chelsea. A critical oversight in the book is the disregard of the demolition of public and social housing in London. There are concerns about the implementation of resident management corporations, and there is the need for proper building conditions before transferring management. The NYCHA’s workforce training programs need to be assessed as  genuinely empowering residents or simply co-opting them for developer interests. There are risks of community land trusts and thus there is a need for careful consideration of agreements and benefits to the community. It is important to build relationships among residents to create a collective voting block and support visionary leaders for future change
• Damu Radheshwar, Architect, Urban Planner, and strategist whose experience spans a complex range of projects, topologies, and public space planning:  Notes that Renee’s ideas are insightful ideas and need to be documented for outreach purposes. Collaboration among community members and institutions are important to amplify their outreach efforts, making their voices more powerful in front of city officials and decision-makers
• Robert Robinson, Partners for Dignity and Rights: There are successful models of Community Land Trusts, particularly Cooper Square and Dudley Square where communities have taken control of their land. The importance of community ownership and control over land are fundamental aspects of these models. There is a need for further discussions on these successful instances to explore potential applications in other areas, reiterating the long struggle involved but noting the victories achieved in community control and affordability
• John Mudd, MSCC: The community should have lasting control over their land, aligning with fundamental principles referred to earlier

CHAT BOX

• Lili Lopez, Outreach Specialist at NY Connects, Manhattan and Brooklyn, 646-457-5364 | 646-809-1071 | llopez@cidny.org, NY Connects](https://www.nyconnects.ny.gov), NY Connects is a free program assisting individuals with disabilities, regardless of age, in accessing various services including housing, SNAP, SSI, and Medicaid applications. Contact for more information or assistance.
• Dina Myers, NYC HRA Home Support Unit, 646-599-7418 | myersd@hra.nyc.gov | 516-967-5096, Represents the Mayor’s Office of Public Engagement, offering resources related to housing. Encourages outreach for those in need of housing assistance.
• André P, Community Member: Raised concerns about the legal and ethical implications of detaining individuals perceived as mentally ill. Advocated for systemic changes within the DHS to improve handling of complaints and conditions in shelters
• Andrew Bonfrancesco, Housing Works, Program Manager: Discussed historical “ugly laws” and current issues in shelter management, emphasizing the need for reform in response to persistent problems like mismanagement and lack of accountability. Highlighted the distrust that marginalized communities have toward support systems. Are the shelters being managed appropriately though? We just had a repeat report from 2021 of the same issues of nepotism and mismanagement of funds in 2024. I.E. Back to the same cycle of trying the same thing without change. Reminded of the multiple deaths of folks in the shelter during the pandemic and the lackadaisical attitude of the mayoral administration and DHS’s attitude on safety and welfare of human lives, while simultaneously taking down encampments
• Renee Keitt, President of the NYCHA Elliott-Chelsea Houses Tenants’ Association in Manhattan: Mentioned financial aspects of housing initiatives, including a $100,000 funding proposal, and the implications of the PACT program on proposed demolitions
• Damyanti Radheshwar, http://dradheshwar.com/schermerhorn-house-supportive-housing-common-ground-communityactors-fund-of-america/, Discussed the expansion of down-payment assistance programs for New Yorkers. Advocated for supportive housing solutions. Homeless Supportive Housing – SRO http://dradheshwar.com/schermerhorn-house-supportive-housing-common-ground-communityactors-fund-of-america/
• Robert Robinson: Partners for Dignity and Rights: Suggested conducting a HOPE count the last Monday in July vs last Monday in Jan. People surface, they are in parks and visible on the streets. https://jacobin.com/2025/02/penn-south-nyc-housing-kazan/?s=09
• Alex Yong, Westside Neighborhood Alliance: Senator Kavanagh Press Release at https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2025/brian-kavanagh/senator-kavanagh-assemblymembers-lasher-wright-propose. Most outreach efforts, no matter how much good faith goes into them, will be wasted if the DHS system continues to be as dysfunctional and abusive as it is. The first thing to do is to get it to develop a fair and effective system for handling complaints. Right now, it’s geared to ignore, delay, then retaliate against the clients, rather than do justice and improve the conditions. That’s why people are put out or leave, and then are very reluctant to go back in. That’s not “refusing help”. Critiqued the influence of real estate lobbyists on city policies and the need for greater community involvement and trust-building in housing initiatives

NEXT Meeting Homeless and Housing Meeting: 9:30 AM Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Always the 1^st Tuesday of every month. Contact hello@midtownsouthcc.org or john.mudd@usa.net for more information and Zoom invitations.