Officials say building more accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, can help older residents continue living in the city they helped build, and offer homeowners a way to generate income.
“Families like mine deserve more from our state leaders than platitudes and delayed, toothless studies. We deserve truth, transparency and real accountability.” Adi TalwarA drive-through COVID testing site on Goulden Avenue in the Bronx in October 2020. CityViews are readers’ opinions, not those of City Limits. Add your voice today!
“It looks like a coughing choir in that tent,” said Luis Zambrano, 62, who came down with pneumonia this winter while staying at the shelter complex on Randall’s Island, where the city has been housing thousands of newly arrived immigrants. “The cold that passes through and under the cot doesn’t go away with several blankets, so you are always cold sleeping.”
As much of the country grapples with an affordable housing shortage, host-home and home sharing programs—which typically pair people who have a room to spare with those in need of a place to live—are a growing intervention. Supporters say the arrangement can be especially helpful in serving vulnerable populations, like homeless LGBTQIA+ youth or those on fixed-incomes.
Bronx River Addition Houses, located in the Soundview neighborhood, consists of two senior buildings, including one where residents had to be temporarily relocated due to poor conditions. Tenants will be asked this spring to choose whether they want to remain in Section 9 or convert to one of two newer funding models.
Concerns ranged from the functionality of security cameras at developments to broken locks and entryway doors, as well as how elevator breakdowns impact tenants with mobility issues.
Meal delivery programs are uniquely positioned to keep the most vulnerable safe during climate emergencies.
“We witness firsthand the challenges that our older participants face when they come to us, usually because they no longer have family to turn to after such long periods of incarceration: physical health issues that might be less severe if treated properly sooner; unaddressed trauma, greatly exacerbated by incarceration; lack of financial resources; and homelessness.”
Citywide, workers at nonprofits under contract to provide support and essential services to New Yorkers at a time of unprecedented crisis say they feel overworked, overwhelmed and burnt out. As costs continue to increase around them, many have said their low wages make it difficult to justify staying in the sector, even with a recent pay bump from the city and state.
“We must ensure that New York City’s growing population of 1.25 million adults ages 65 and older can access high-quality services, resources, and opportunities that accommodate their needs and preferences, celebrate their strengths and resilience, and empower them to live in the communities they helped build and continue to make meaningful contributions to.”
City Limits uses investigative journalism through the prism of New York City to identify urban problems, examine their causes, explore solutions, and equip communities to take action.
Founded in 1976 in the midst of New York’s fiscal crisis, City Limits exists to inform democracy and equip citizens to create a more just city. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit funded by foundation support, ad sponsorship and donations from readers.
Support local, investigative journalism that has informed and empowered New Yorkers for 45 years.
Support local, investigative journalism that has informed and empowered New Yorkers for 45 years.
