Open Hearts Initiative Condemns Anti-Shelter Protest; Calls on Shelter Opponents to Welcome Homeless Neighbors
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, June 6, 2023
CONTACT
Sara Newman, 646-907-9052, info@openheartsinitiative.org
Open Hearts Initiative Condemns Anti-Shelter Protest; Calls on Shelter Opponents to Welcome Homeless Neighbors
In response to today’s protest by a small group of community members against a women’s shelter planned for 537 W. 59th St, the Open Hearts Initiative released the following statement, which can be attributed to Advocacy Coordinator & Neighborhood Organizer Bennett Reinhardt:
"It's incredibly dispiriting to see Upper West Side shelter opponents--who protested the Lucerne because it was a men's shelter without a ‘proper facility'--now protest this women's shelter in a purpose-built space. It's unclear to me under what conditions they believe unhoused people should be allowed to exist and take up space in our city, but I suppose those parameters will continue to change until they reach the desired conclusion: not in their neighborhood. Despite the rhetoric demonizing them as a ‘danger’ to children, people experiencing homelessness are no more of a ‘danger’ than anyone else is. This facility will provide crucial care and services to women who are living with mental health challenges, just like so many others in our community do. They deserve shelter and care without stigma, not to be characterized as ‘violent’ and ‘drug addicts’ just because they don't have a home. If opponents of this shelter are truly committed to compassion, we hope they will join so many of their fellow Upper West Siders in welcoming their new neighbors when this shelter opens.”
