On January 30, the second day of Lunar New Year, and the 198^th day of the ongoing protest against the homeless shelter proposed for 86^th Street and 25^th Avenue, Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) visited the site to help distribute a variety of produce to the protesters who are there every day, making their opposition to the shelter known.

“No matter the weather, these local residents have been here, day after day, to drive home the community’s opposition to this homeless shelter,” said Assemblyman Colton. “Especially at this festive time, when these volunteers could be enjoying time at family celebrations, it’s important to show our appreciation for their dedication to protecting this neighborhood, and their commitment to demanding something better for the people that the city wants to warehouse in this way. The city spends billions of taxpayer dollars each year on this failed policy, enriching greedy developers, when that money should be spent instead on building permanent affordable housing and providing the support services that are actually needed by New York City’s homeless population.”

Opposition to the plan has been strong and sustained since the city announced last year that it planned to open a homeless shelter for 150 single men, many of whom struggle with addiction or mental health issues, at 2501 86^th Street. Numerous protests have drawn thousands of protesters. In addition, tens of thousands of people have signed a petition in opposition to the plan. The daily protests began last summer after word came that the developer was poised to begin demolition of the existing building. Since then, area residents have been at the site each day from morning till evening.

The food for the giveaway was provided by UA3, a not-for-profit organization that started a food pantry during the Covid pandemic to address issues of food insecurity, and which partners with government entities, other community groups and private businesses on a wide range of issues.