In many cases, the DOI asserts that a person arrested is living in NYCHA simply because they report a NYCHA address when arrested. Residents, public housing stakeholders, and experts know that, for many people, using the address of a family member living in NYCHA is the most reliable way that they can be reached. People unstably housed or living in shelters often use family addresses to get mail because it is the only way that they can be reached. Thus, when a law enforcement or government official demands an address, they use the best address at which they can receive a court notice or get a message, even when they are not living there. NYCHA has been working earnestly with residents and stakeholders to refine their use of permanent exclusion to target individuals who pose an actual risk to the safety of tenants. They should be credited for their efforts to keep families together while contributing to resident safety. NYCHA recognizes the importance of keeping families together and preserving housing as it is addressing serious physical safety issues. DOI cavalierly criticizes NYCHA and promotes evictions, urging NYCHA to throw children, teenagers, parents, and grandparents out of their homes while their colleagues in city government are trying to find housing for and stabilize families
. It doesn’t make sense, and it doesn’t build on what we know about effective approaches
to reducing violence. It does not appear, based on the report, that DOI spoke with any NYCHA residents or community members during its investigation. While it is true that the number of shootings on or near NYCHA developments is a matter of great concern, residents know better than anyone that NYCHA needs investments to fix broken locks at their buildings and increased economic opportunity in their communities. These are real solutions to the problem.
DOI’s senseless call to
evict families and put people on the streets helps no one. DOI calls for NYCHA investigators to be armed with bulletproof vests, despite the fact that they can cite no instance where an investigator faced any harm while doing an inspection. Again, if DOI had consulted with residents or given any thought to what residents want, they would know
that residents don’t want thei
r buildings more militarized. The approach that DOI recommends represents a call to move backward, to regress into punitive policies that are proven failures. It puts sensationalism ahead of truth, and the desire to shock ahead of common sense. Lawmakers and agency officials must reject these recommendations,
and instead support progressive policies and NYCHA’s existing efforts to address safety while
supporting families and healthy communities. Endorsing Organizations:
The Bronx Defenders Brooklyn Defender Services CASES (Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services) Coalition for the Homeless College and Community Fellowship Community Service Society of New York