“Benefits for New Yorkers” By Pat Stevenson

Categories: Articles,

Mayor Adams is Focused on Help for all New Yorkers
(Exclusive interview with Mayor Eric Adams)
Last week, I conducted a one-on-one interview with Mayor Eric Adams. Although we publish in Harlem, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, Harlem was on my mind as the area of NYC where my business is based and where I have lived for about 30 years with my family. Prior to the interview, I knew the Mayor visited Harlem at Morningside Park earlier in the week to promote his “Money In Your Pocket” program. Several NYC agencies were on hand to meet one-on-one with residents to listen to their concerns and let them know about the available programs to assist them. 
Resident Hubert Collins, who is also president of Esplanade Gardens co-op apartments, said he learned a lot about programs he was not aware of earlier and was anxious to share with residents, especially seniors.
Q: You do know New York residents believe you are taking better care of migrants than New Yorkers in need, especially the homeless; what do you want to say to them.
A: The reason we are rolling out the “Money In Your Pocket Program” is to let New York residents know there are a lot of programs already set up to help them. We are aware they may not be aware of some of these programs, so we are going to them and showing them where to get the help they need. 1) We have eliminated the medical debt of more than 500,000 New Yorkers; 2) The Fair Fares program brings down the cost of transit fares for young people, seniors, and low-income residents; 3) Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax credit for families; 4) Rent Freeze programs for seniors to help them stay in their homes, to name a few.
Q: What is the status of the migrant situation, and what is your vision for the future?. Many of them come to work, they want to work, and we need workers in New York. It seems simple, but I know it is not.
A: So far, we have had to deal with 214,000 migrants and 60,000 homeless New Yorkers who are in our system. By law, I could not stop the buses. By law, I had to house them and give them three meals a day. I could not allow them to work and I could not let them volunteer and give them a stipend. I have been fighting to get them working papers and fighting to get more assistance from New York State and the Federal government. Fortunately, before the problem, I had already put in place an effort to eliminate waste across all agencies and we did find some funds there. This is an ongoing problem, and I am working on a long-term solution.
Q: I have dealt with the NYC Mental Illness System for years for my family members, so I have my personal experience. What seems to be missing is when the mentally ill have an “episode,” they are immediately taken care of, given medication or whatever, and then sent back into the streets within a couple of days. What seems to be missing is long-term care and resources to help them actually manage their disease, and get on track to improve their lives. So what are you currently doing, and what is your long-term vision for this?
A: You are correct about the need for a facility for long-term care.
Years ago, there was a suit filed by advocates to close long-term wards because of their conditions. However, when the wards were closed there was no alternative in place. Also, there is a shortage of mental health professionals. The need right now is greater than the resources. About 51% of the people at Rikers have mental health issues. We are aware that the COVID-19 pandemic caused us to have more mental health issues than ever. Dr. Ashwin Vasan and his team have launched Teenspace, a tele-mental health service aimed at supporting teenagers 13-17, where they can get free access to licensed therapists via phone, video, and text. Now, I am calling for a state-of the arts place where those with mental health needs can get long-term care and assistance.
Q: About 50 years ago, several Mitchell-Lama buildings opened in Harlem, giving residents affordable housing options. Now, 50 years later, many of these buildings need repairs and capital improvements. However, when COVID arrived in 2020, and there was a COVID eviction moratorium, many residents did not pay their maintenance fees and now owe thousands. Without these collections, many of these buildings are now in heavy debt, much-needed repairs cannot take place, and some capital improvement projects have stopped midway. Also, they have hundreds of vacant apartments to renovate and restore to sell, which cost money they don’t have. It’s a catch 22. I know Michell-Lama is a NY State program. Is there anything you can do?
A: I had a Michell-Lama task force when I was Brooklyn Borough president. I do know that we have helped out with some assistance in the past, especially with repairs. I will look into this situation, sit down with HPD, and see what we can do.
To learn more about the Mayor’s “Money In Your Pocket” initiative, go to nyc.gov/moneyinyourpocket.