Protest against the move to homeless New Yorkers
Proponents say homeless New Yorkers are at risk from the mayor’s decision to move them to shelters.
NEW YORK – A coalition of homeless people new Yorker and advocates marched through Manhattan Saturday, straight to Gracie Mansion to protest the transfer of homeless people from hotels and other shelters in the city to collective shelters.
In the past few weeks, buses have been parked outside of places like the Lucerne hotel, relocated homeless residents who took refuge there during the pandemic.
The city plans to phase out the temporary hotel program, but community activists say it is happening too soon.
“It’s unhealthy with the Delta variant during COVID,” said Shams Dabaron, a community activist. “We want him to introduce humane policies that protect citizens, all New Yorkers.”
CONNECTED: Protesters march at Gracie Mansion over plans to move homeless people out of NYC hotels
The city’s relocation plan was halted Friday when the Legal Aid Society challenged it in federal court.
Proponents of homeless assistance accuse the town hall of endangering people with special needs and health problems.
mayor Bill de Blasios Office declined to comment on FOX 5 NY on the matter.
To date, residents of around ⅓ of the city’s emergency shelters have been returned to the traditional shelter system. The Department of Homeless Services plans to suspend all further moves until at least early next week.
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