Over-saturation of shelters in South Bronx leaves residents feeling neglected
THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11) -- Wes is a long-time resident of Manida Street in the South Bronx.
A walk up his block is littered with used drug needles and feces at the corner, one of the South Bronx's many homeless shelters.
"Sleeping on the street. Say the word - defecate," said Wes.
Councilman Rafael Salamanca represents this district. We interviewed him across the street from the drop-off shelter known in the neighborhood as "The Living Room."
"This has been occurring since before this migrant crisis occurred, and historically, the city of New York has looked at the South Bronx as a dumping ground." I have over 60 homeless shelters in my council district alone. You have other council districts that have less than five shelters in their districts. Stop looking at the South Bronx," said Salamanca.
Mayor Eric Adams repeatedly acknowledged the over-saturation of shelters in Salamanca's district.
But the shelters are already here, Salamanca says, the result of the constant—and desperate—need to continue expanding a shelter system that was already bursting at the seams before the migrant crisis.
He adds that savvy developers are drawn to the South Bronx because of cheap land and low property values.
"That means a sector car with two police officers has to respond here, and you're pulling that car from actually patrolling New York City streets," said Salamanca.
Residents here - families are now living with the consequences of this shelter's over-saturation.
Councilman Salamanca's office is sharing with us local 41st Precinct crime stats connected with "The Living Room"—the shelter located at 800 Barretto Street. The stats show that 80% of the precinct's 911 calls over the last six months were tied to this shelter.
"Aren't there other locations around here for that stuff? Like in Manhattan or something? It's too much, man," said Wes.
The provider “Bronx Works," has operated this homeless shelter for almost 27 years. In a statement, they pledged to continue trying to address the community's concerns while serving one of the city's most vulnerable populations.
DHS acknowledges that the South Bronx needs to be more saturated with shelters and continues to open new shelters in other neighborhoods, including those where they are not exactly welcomed. The prevailing sentiment in city hall and here in the south Bronx - this is no time for nimby, or not in my backyard, as the south Bronx is at capacity.