Heating Crisis Exposed at City Shelter on Wards Island
Residents at a men's homeless shelter on New York's Wards Island have been forced to endure temperatures as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit, well below the city's requirement for facilities. According to a recent inspection by the Coalition for the Homeless, a group that monitors shelter conditions, the Schwartz Assessment Shelter has consistently recorded cold temperatures in recent weeks.
The issue is not with the building's heating system, but rather its aging infrastructure and malfunctioning window units. The problem was exacerbated by drafty windows and lack of insulation, leaving residents to endure frigid conditions despite being provided with basic amenities such as yogurt, cold cuts, and almond milk.
"I have all this stuff," said Reinaldo, a 45-year-old resident who feared retaliation from shelter staff if he disclosed his name. "But it's so cold in here that nothing has gone spoiled yet. And I had them for two weeks already."
In response to the crisis, the city's Department of Homeless Services claims that their teams have addressed the issue by addressing drafty windows and ensuring internal temperatures meet the required standard. However, Coalition for the Homeless officials argue that the root cause of the problem lies with the building's aging infrastructure.
"It was unacceptable," said Jamie Powlovich, a senior manager at the Coalition for the Homeless. "People were wearing winter jackets and other cold weather accessories inside – it was clear that the windows weren't doing their job."
Powlovich pointed to the inadequate insulation and plastic coverings on the window units as contributing factors to the problem. Reinaldo echoed her concerns, stating that the window plastics failed to hold any cold air.
The situation highlights a broader issue with aging infrastructure in New York City's homeless shelters, which often struggle to maintain adequate temperatures despite being required to do so by law.
Residents at a men's homeless shelter on New York's Wards Island have been forced to endure temperatures as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit, well below the city's requirement for facilities. According to a recent inspection by the Coalition for the Homeless, a group that monitors shelter conditions, the Schwartz Assessment Shelter has consistently recorded cold temperatures in recent weeks.
The issue is not with the building's heating system, but rather its aging infrastructure and malfunctioning window units. The problem was exacerbated by drafty windows and lack of insulation, leaving residents to endure frigid conditions despite being provided with basic amenities such as yogurt, cold cuts, and almond milk.
"I have all this stuff," said Reinaldo, a 45-year-old resident who feared retaliation from shelter staff if he disclosed his name. "But it's so cold in here that nothing has gone spoiled yet. And I had them for two weeks already."
In response to the crisis, the city's Department of Homeless Services claims that their teams have addressed the issue by addressing drafty windows and ensuring internal temperatures meet the required standard. However, Coalition for the Homeless officials argue that the root cause of the problem lies with the building's aging infrastructure.
"It was unacceptable," said Jamie Powlovich, a senior manager at the Coalition for the Homeless. "People were wearing winter jackets and other cold weather accessories inside – it was clear that the windows weren't doing their job."
Powlovich pointed to the inadequate insulation and plastic coverings on the window units as contributing factors to the problem. Reinaldo echoed her concerns, stating that the window plastics failed to hold any cold air.
The situation highlights a broader issue with aging infrastructure in New York City's homeless shelters, which often struggle to maintain adequate temperatures despite being required to do so by law.
. 45 degrees is FREEZING! I mean, I know they're trying to cut costs and all, but come on, it's basically a death trap in there. The fact that the city's teams were able to fix the drafty windows and get internal temps up to par doesn't excuse the root problem - the building's infrastructure is just too old. Like, when's the last time those window units got a major overhaul? 
. The fact that these guys have to deal with 45 degree temps is just unacceptable. I mean, it's not like they're freezing in a desert out there, but still... it's cold enough to make you wonder how anyone can function on a daily basis. And the thing is, it's not even about the heating system, it's about the building itself being old and crappy 
. I get that maintenance costs money, but come on... people's health and well-being should be more important than that. It's like they're saying, "Hey, we've got you covered with food and stuff, just deal with this freezing crap" 
.
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and I guess that's why these shelters are being called out - it's not just about the buildings, it's about the system as a whole...we need to rethink how we're supporting our most vulnerable citizens...maybe it's time for us to ask ourselves what kind of society do we want to be? 
. The fact is, our shelters should be equipped with better insulation and more effective heating systems, period 
. I'm so tired of hearing that it's the residents' problem for not having proper gear 
. We need to take care of our most vulnerable citizens, like Reinaldo and others who are struggling just to survive. This is a basic human right issue, plain and simple 
.
and insulation? like, basic stuff, right? anyone can see that's not going to work here. 
I'm so frustrated with the city for letting this happen... they're supposed to be providing a safe and warm place for people in need. 2 weeks without a fridge is no joke. 
. I feel for the guys living there, Reinaldo included 
. It sounds like they're stuck with no heat and freezing windows 
. I mean, who needs yogurt when you're gonna freeze your buns off? 
The city's saying they've fixed it, but from what I'm seeing 
, it's still a big problem. It's not just about the heating system, either – it's about all that aging infrastructure 
The fact that these guys are having to wear winter jackets inside is a clear sign that something's seriously wrong with the building. And insulation? Plastic coverings on window units? It's like they're trying to freeze people out! 
I don't blame Reinaldo for being worried about retaliation from shelter staff - it sounds like they're doing everything they can to ignore this problem. 
But what really gets me is that this is just a symptom of a bigger issue with our city's aging infrastructure. We need to start addressing these kinds of problems before we end up with people freezing their butts off in shelters. 
it's just crazy that ppl are having to suffer like this. we need to do better for our homeless ppl! 
. Like, aging infrastructure is no joke, especially when it comes to places that are supposed to be safe havens for people in need. And to think they're serving yogurt and almond milk... good luck getting any nutrients in there with the frostbite 
! I'm literally shivering thinking about it 
. How can people be expected to live like that? The city needs to step up their game and invest in some new heating systems ASAP 
. And let's not forget about the window units, they need to be replaced or at least fixed 
. The city should take responsibility for this issue and provide a solution soon 
. This is not okay, people deserve better! 
i mean yeah drafty windows and lack of insulation are huge issues but shouldn't we be looking at the bigger picture here? why did they even get away with this for so long?! 