Mayor Bill De Blasio Announces the Results of a 90-day Review of Homeless Programs

  Mayor Bill de Blasio standing next to a chart labeled Rental Assistance Reduces Homelessness shows how his new Comprehensive Homeless Service plan will stabilize, then prevent future increases of Homelessness in the city. 

  During the almost two hour presentation Mayor de Blasio held at Bronxworks located at 1050 Grand Concourse several speakers including Keshaw Wood  a single mother who was facing eviction and one step away from being homeless gave her story of how Homebase helped provide her with a lawyer who won her case and even was able to have her rent reduced in the process. Ms. Wood is now on her way to becoming a registered nurse, and should never have to go through the process to which she was subjected to. Mayor de Blasio has placed an integrated management structure with both the Human Resources Administration (HRA), and Department of Homeless Services (DHS) reporting to a single Commissioner of Social Services under current DSS/HRA Commissioner Steven Banks. 

  The four major reforms are, Preventing Homelessness, Getting families out of shelters and into permanent housing, Improving the current shelter system, and helping today's homeless population. The mayor spoke of shutting down certain current shelter sites that have numerous violations or are unsafe for families, which has already begun according to the mayor. Homeless housing is part of his goal in the new or preserved 200,000 units of affordable housing goal. 

   The mayor stated that under former Giuliani there were 23,000 homeless people, under Mayor Bloomberg that number rose to 33,000, and currently is at 50,000 people which includes more children than before, adding that families in shelters may have a working adult member.. His aim is to get families out of city shelters and into permanent housing   

Above - Ms. Wood explained her problem of almost being evicted, and how the city helped her overcome that problem.

Below - Mayor Bill de Blasio expands on what the city has done for Ms. Wood, and what he hopes can be done for many others who may be in her situation.

Above - On the far right is Bronx Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson who the mayor thanked for her role in getting this process started, and Councilwoman Gibson thanked the mayor for the new Homeless programs designed to keep at risk families in their apartments.

Below - New DSS/HRA Commissioner Steven Banks explains more of the job that he will be doing. 

After the presentation Mayor de Blasio took questions, some of which were about the current police influence peddling scandal, and if the mayor has been questioned, asked for counsel, and if he had any role in the scandal to which the mayor said that it occurred before his victory, and that he has not been questioned by federal authorities, he does not think he will be questioned by them, and that he hold himself and his staff to the utmost standards. He added that this was going to be the last tome that he would answer anymore questions on the subject.

KLEIN, AVELLA, DINOWITZ, MOSLEY SECURE $2M IN FUNDING TO INCREASE DIVERSITY IN SPECIALIZED HIGH SCHOOLS

State Senator Jeff Klein, State Senator Tony Avella, Assemblyman Jeff Dinowitz, and Assemblyman Walter T. Mosley announced that the Independent Democratic Conference has secured $2 million dollars in funding to increase diversity in New York City’s Specialized High Schools.

New York City’s Specialized High Schools have seen a shockingly low number of black and Latino students apply for and enroll in recent years. A survey from 2005-2013 showed that despite the fact that black and Latino students made up a majority of rising eighth graders - 71.6 percent - they made up only 52 percent of students who even took the Specialized High School Admission Test.

“A Specialized High School might be a great fit for so many of New York City’s underrepresented students, but we will never know if we don’t ensure that every student has the resources to prepare and apply. That is why I am thrilled that we have secured over $2 million dollars in this year’s state budget in order to establish outreach programs at every Specialized High School, enhance and expand free test preparation for New York City's underrepresented students, and further support Brooklyn Tech’s successful STEM pipeline program for middle school students. By providing resources to these students early, and continuing throughout middle school, we can ensure that every child in the New York City public school system has the same opportunity to learn, grow, and potentially enroll in these prestigious schools,” said Senator Klein.

“Bridging the deep diversity gap that exists in our schools starts with strengthening our students’ foundations. With this funding, we can establish outreach coordinators, provide test prep to underrepresented areas, and support and enhance an already successful middle school pipeline program through the Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation’s STEM program. This is much more than just checking off a box, this is laying the foundation to ensure that every student has an opportunity to enter one of these esteemed schools,” said Senator Avella.

In their proposal released in March, the IDC laid out a plan to increase diversity in the schools’ enrollment, the “New York City Specialized High Schools Diversity Initiative and Gifted and Talented Program Expansion.”

Included in the 2016-17 budget is:

• $350,000 for Outreach Coordinators at each school who will focus on ensuring that students in underrepresented middle schools.

• $650,000 for Test Prep for Middle School Students from Underrepresented Populations to pay for test prep at each Specialized High School.

• $750,000 appropriation to NYC DOE for test prep targeting free and reduced-price lunch students in New York City.

• $250,000 for the Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation to enhance their current, successful middle school pipeline program.

“I am pleased that by working with Senator Klein we were able provide money to increase diversity in New York City’s Specialized High Schools in this year’s budget. The underrepresentation of some minority groups in New York’s Specialized High Schools is indicative of a larger set of challenges that face this city’s educational system today. I am proud to have fought for this proposal, and to be able to provide funding for students to take free test preparation classes, in addition to investing in outreach coordinators at each of the specialized high schools. This funding will go a long way in raising the numbers of potentially qualified minority applicants attending these schools, while maintaining the schools’ academic integrity without changing the objectivity of the entrance exam,” said Assemblyman Dinowitz, a Bronx Science Alum.

"I applaud Speaker Heastie and the Senate Democratic Conference  for implementing the Diversity Initiative for New York City Specialized High Schools in this year's state budget. Assembly member Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Bronx) and myself have championed this proposal in the Assembly. It is critically imperative that we expand the programs that prepare our youth to take the Specialized High School Admission Test. As a member of the Board of Regents My Brothers Keeper Blue Ribbon Panel on improving outcomes for boys and young men of color, we highlighted the need for more advanced programing in a report issued late last year," said Assemblyman Mosley.

BJCC Spring Volunteer Opportunities

 Four Random Acts of Kindness Spring Volunteer Opportunities

Make all the difference with just a very few hours of your time!

Brighten your own day, as you bring joy to an isolated and lonely senior

 

 

 (one) Friendly Visitor  Needed

Adult Friendly Visitor needed for a delightfully endearing, very  intelligent woman, who has retired as a social worker, but loves reading and writing mystery novels, but is suffering from  a debilitating eye disease that has left her unable to read.  She is seeking someone to read mysteries with her.

 (three ) Mother's Day Related Opportunities

• Mothers Day Ice Cream Social  Volunteers needed to help set up and host on Monday, May 3 from 12-3 at our auditorium near Mosholu Parkway very close to Riverdale. Music, gifts and fun

• Mother's Day Luncheon, on Mother's Day morning:   Looking for up to 10 volunteers of all ages to help host our annual event, May 8 from 10:30-1:30 at the Sue Ginsberg Senior Center, 1 block off Pelham Parkway( great for families)

• Deliver flowers to an isolated or home bound Mom, anytime form Wednesday May 4- Monday, May 9.  Bring the joy of Mothers Day to someone whose children live far away!  (perfect for families)

To volunteer, please contact Niti Minkove, BJCC Director of Volunteers at 917-693-3084 or nminkove@bjcconline.org.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - Pelham Parkway Cleaning and Beautification Project

COMUNILIFE OPENS NEW 65 UNIT AFFORDABLE HOUSING BUILDING IN THE BRONX

New state-of-the-art facility will serve New Yorkers with special needs and low income residents

 

 

    Comunilife, one of New York City's premier health and human service not-for-profit organizations, today inaugurated its newest supportive and affordable housing building in The Bronx.

 

El Rio Residence, located at 1041 East 179th Street in West Farms, includes 65 units (39 studio apartments for New Yorkers living with special needs and 26 studio apartments for low-income residents).  Amenities include community room, laundry, back garden, staff offices, and 24/7 security.

 

  "We remain strong in our commitment to increase the number of supportive housing units available for the most vulnerable populations," said Dr. Rosa M. Gil, President and CEO of Comunilife. "El Rio Residence is a major step as we continue to provide new, safe and affordable housing options for the people who need it the most, a midst the city's housing crisis."

 

El Rio is NYSERDA certified and follows the Enterprise Green Communities guidelines.  The building incorporates energy efficient features including low-flow fixtures, bi-level lights in hallways, low VOC paint, FSC certified wood, energy star appliances, native vegetation in the recreational areas, erosion control during construction and construction materials with high recycled content.

 

The project was developed with Capital Financing received through NYS's Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Homeless Housing and Assistance Program, NYC's Department of Housing Preservation and Development Supportive Housing Loan Program, the Bronx Borough President's Office, and with low-income housing tax credit equity from Red Stone Equity Partners.  The building was designed by Gran Kriegel Architects, with Fazio Construction serving as the general contractor.

 

Today's ribbon cutting ceremony was attended by local leaders and community partners, including Deputy Bronx Borough President Aurelia Greene, Assembly Member Luis R. Sepulveda, Samuel B. Roberts (Commissioner, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance), Mirza Orrios (HUD's Deputy Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey), Jessica Katz (Assistant Commissioner, NYC HPD), Moira Tashjian (Associate Commissioner, NYS Office of Mental Health),Rebecca Sievers (Program Manager, NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene), Carlos R. Piñeiro (Chairperson, Comunilife's Board of Directors), Richard Roberts (Red Stone Equity Partners), and Kristin Miller (CSH).  The 65 residents of the new building were welcomed to the community and the Comunilife family during today's ceremony.

 

"Ending homelessness and housing insecurity in New York depends on building supportive and affordable housing like the El Rio project we're celebrating today. With over $7 million invested from HUD's HOME Program, this development will provide long-term stability for both its residents and the neighborhood," Orrios said.

 

"Creating affordable housing is very important not just in The Bronx but the entire New York City," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr.  "Projects like El Rio are steps in the right direction towards greater affordability. Finding affordable housing in New York City is a challenge under any circumstances, and it was with great pleasure that I have allocated $744,000 of my capital budget for this 65-unit studio apartment building, created to support permanent housing for low-income individuals and former homeless adults living with special needs. This project will help improve the lives of many of our must vulnerable residents."

 

"For many vulnerable populations, stability simply means a safe place to call home. El Rio offers a holistic housing approach for households in need that includes not only affordable housing but also onsite services and support through the Comunilife network," said HPD Commissioner Vicki Been. " I would like to thank Comunilife and all of their development partners for their investment in this project and dedication to improving the lives of those in need. Developments like these are proof positive that New Yorkers take care of their own."

 

El Rio is part of Comunilife's housing portfolio which now includes 1,607 units of housing in nine transitional and permanent congregate residences for homeless New Yorkers living with special needs; three low-income apartment buildings and 993 units of supportive scatter site apartments.

  

ABOUT COMUNILIFE:

 

Founded in 1989, Comunilife is a health and human service agency whose mission is to improve the quality of life and create a healthier tomorrow for children, adolescents, adults, families and seniors living with mental illness and/or HIV/AIDS in New York City's underserved, diverse communities. Comunilife provides culturally-competent, community-based services to 3,500 New Yorkers annually.

 

100 PERCENT Saturday April 9, 2016

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

New York Counts This Year

    Tuesday April 19th is the presidential primary date for New York, and this is a year where both the Democratic and Republican races in New York could impact on just who gets nominated. That is why all of the candidates in both parties are criss-crossing New York State looking for votes. On the Republican side it seems as though all congressional districts matter since a candidate can pick up New York delegates even in a almost Republican free district such as is the case here in the Bronx. That could be the reason that Republican Presidential candidate Ted Cruz came to the South Bronx to meet with State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. who claims to be a Conservative like Cruz. The only problem candidate Cruz is that State Senator Diaz Sr. (at last look) is a Democrat, and as for being a Conservative I checked with the Chair of the Bronx Conservative Party Bill Newmark on that. Mr. Newmark wanted to know why Senator Diaz has not come to the Bronx Conservative Party for an endorsement so far this year, and Mr. Newmark also wanted to know why Senator Diaz did not ask for the Bronx Conservative Party endorsement in the last election in 2014.

    Speaking of the Bronx, it seems that the Bronx Democratic County organization seems to be pulled in different directions also. State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. who is no stranger to the Republican Party, entertained Republican Presidential candidate Ted Cruz this past week. The next day his son Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. had a visit from Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in front of Yankee Stadium. The two then hopped on the subway after Clinton had a little trouble getting through the turnstile. It took her five swipes of the Metro Card she had to get a good swipe which let her on to the platform. Unlike Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders who grew up in Brooklyn and thought tokens were still in use on the NYC subway system Clinton at least was told that tokens were no longer in use. However when Sanders came to the South Bronx over 18,000 people came to see him, and Bronx Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda who has been called a twin to Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo is supporting Sanders. 

   Back on the Republican side John Kasich did his best impression of Bill de Blasio when eating pizza in New York, using a fork to eat the pizza. My predictions on the presidential race will appear in Wednesday's 100 PERCENT column in the new Bronx newspaper that will premier on Wednesday April 13th. 

    As for the race to replace Charlie Rangel in congress petitioning ended today. Since the primary election for congress is on June 28th there is time to see just how many of the seven candidates make it on to the ballot. Sometime in late June I will put out my prediction, but it now appears to be a two person race between Manhattan Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Keith Weight and State Senator Adriano Espaillat who is running for the third time, but first time for an open congressional seat.

    Don't forget that on Wednesday April 13th you will find this column in a new Bronxwide newspaper. You can also continue to check this blog for updates, and the listing of events and reports of them.

   If you have any comments about this column or would like to have an event listed in this column or on my blog you can e-mail us at 100percentbronxnews@gmail.com or call 718-644-4199 Mr. Robert Press.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney Endorses Keith Wright for Congress in NY’s 13th Congressional District

Says she needs Wright in Washington to help fight for funding for Second Avenue Subway and Mass Transit

   Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney announced her support of Keith Wright today, in the 13th Congressional District Race to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Charlie Rangel.

  

“Keith Wright is the right choice and the partner I need in Congress. He is a proven leader with a strong record of getting results in Albany for our communities and can be counted on to fight for quality education for all our children, for affordable healthcare, to create and protect tenant's rights and affordable housing, and to advocate for needed funds to build out the Second Avenue Subway. Under his leadership, the State legislature just restored nearly $1 billion to build phase 2 of the Second Avenue Subway which will run from 99^th to 125^th Street and will be a vital transportation and infrastructure investment for both my constituents and the constituents of the 13th Congressional District."

“Congresswoman Maloney is a true champion and fighter for the people of New York. I am honored and humbled to have her support in this race and look forward to the opportunity to work with her to build the Second Avenue Subway line and advocate for needed dollars for mass transit from Washington ,” said Assembly member Wright.

Rep. Maloney's endorsement follows an impressive list of individuals and leaders who are supporting Keith Wright for Congress including: Gov. David Paterson, Mayor David Dinkins, Assembly Member Denny Farrell, Council Member Inez Dickens, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Assembly Member Daniel O'Donnell, 32BJ, the United Firefighters Association, Teamsters Joint Council 16, Teamsters Local 237, New York City District Council of Carpenters, International Union of Elevator Constructors Local 1 and numerous community leaders and clergy in the Bronx and Manhattan. 

Assembly member Keith Wright represents the 70^th District in the NYS Assembly and is the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney represents the 12th congressional district. She is a senior member of both the House Financial Services Committee (where she serves as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Capital Markets) and the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and the Ranking House member of the Joint Economic Committee.

ADRIANO ESPAILLAT OPENS BRONX CAMPAIGN OFFICE

  Adriano Espaillat held a rally today to mark the opening of his Bronx office. At the event Espaillat reiterated his pledge to bring a new focus to the borough when elected to Congress by opening up a Bronx district office on day one. Adriano Espaillat and Bronx leaders addressed an enthusiastic crowd, discussing key issues impacting Bronx families.

"Today, I'm glad to join my colleague Adriano Espaillat at the grand opening of his Bronx's campaign office," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "In doing so, Adriano is demonstrating with actions that his campaign is strongly committed to hear directly from Bronxites about the issues that affect their everyday lives. If elected, I have no doubt that, from day one, Adriano will proudly represent our borough and be the dedicated advocate that the Bronx needs in Congress."

"Adriano Espaillat is a proven progressive leader with 18 years in the State Legislature that will bring change to a district that hasn’t seen change in more than 40 years," said District Leader Yudelka Tapia.

"A new focus must be brought to the Bronx," said Adriano Espaillat. "When I am elected to Congress, I will open up a district office in the Bronx on day one and work tirelessly to make the Bronx a better place to live, work and raise a family."

The 13th congressional district stretches from East Harlem to Inwood in Northern Manhattan and covers parts of the Bronx. This race currently has seven candidates with the petitioning period ending today. it is widely felt to be a two person race however between State Senator Espaillat and Manhattan Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Keith Wright. 

Above - Congressional candidate Adriano Espaillat greets some of the many volunteers in attendance as he enters the room.

Below - A group photo of many of the volunteers, Senator Espaillat, and others including State Senator Gustavo Rivera (back right).

Above - Female District Leader Yudelka Tapia introduces congressional candidate State Senator Adriano Espaillat.

Below - State Senator Gustavo Rivera holds up the V for Victory, and shows how this time Congressional candidate Adriano Espaillat is going to dance around the competition to win the soon to be vacant congressional seat currently held by retiring Charlie Rangel.