In August 2022, NYC Health + Hospitals and the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development announced the Just Home project to house formerly incarcerated individuals with complex medical issues. The program targeted patients with severe medical needs, such as stage 4 cancer and end-stage renal disease, who would find it nearly impossible to reside in city shelters.
Since its inception, the initiative has faced strong opposition from residents, resulting in numerous rallies and community meetings. Community stakeholders express sympathy for those needing housing but argue the focus should shift to providing homes for seniors and veterans.
On July 19, 2024, Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato led another rally, addressing a crowd of local residents and community leaders. She claimed that after the project received the go-ahead, the program’s parameters changed to housing pretrial homeless individuals facing mental health and addiction problems.
Marmorato revealed that her inquiries into the program were met with resistance, with officials advising her to submit a FOIL request. The crowd urged her to follow through, and she vowed to do so, stating, “This bait and switch will not stand, and I will get to the bottom of it. Jacobi Hospital and NYC Health + Hospitals are hiding something.”
The Just Home Initiative was a central issue in Marmorato’s campaign, which helped her unseat former Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez. Marmorato emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the program, which, she argued, was not being provided.
Community Reactions
Patrick McManus, Chairman of the Bronx County Conservative Party, questioned the track record of the Fortune Society, the developer behind Just Home. He cited previous projects with high recidivism rates and criticized the ongoing allocation of significant initiatives to the organization despite its questionable success.
Irene Estrada highlighted the strong community opposition, noting that over 1,100 people rallied against the project when it was first announced. She criticized elected officials for ignoring the community’s voice, which she stated cost Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez her seat last year, leading to Marmorato’s victory. Estrada urged voters to continue replacing incumbents who refuse to listen to their constituents.
Bernadette Ferrara, another community leader, pointed out the unmet needs of the local population, especially veterans and seniors. She condemned the allocation of resources to a project she views as unnecessary and detrimental to the community’s welfare.
Dion Powell expressed skepticism about the intentions behind the Just Home Initiative, alleging that organizations like the Fortune Society, involved in the project, are expanding their re-entry programs at the community’s expense. He warned against being misled by claims of compassion and diversity.
Sammy Ravelo, a veteran and retired police officer, emphasized the importance of caring for the community. He stated, “It’s not that we don’t care about folks that have needs, we do. But we care more about our community.”
Grace Marrero criticized Mayor Eric Adams and the organizations involved, calling for an investigation into what she termed as fraud against the community. She argued that the initiative is more about financial gain than genuine help for the needy.
A representative from the Mayor’s Office and the Fortune Society stated that there have been no changes to the project’s mission plan.
The community’s stance against the Just Home Initiative reflects broader concerns about how city officials communicate with and listen to their constituents. Additional issues include resource allocation, transparency, and who is actually benefiting from this project. Councilwoman Marmorato will undoubtedly continue to battle this cause, planning further protests and bringing the issue to the city council chambers floor.
The Democratic and Republican Chairpersons did not reply in time for the publication of this article. We will update this piece if and when they respond.
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