You're Invited To Every Human A Home: A Free Benefit Concert For Our Most Vulnerable And Unhoused Neighbors Saturday November 18 At Historic Roosevelt Island Good Shepherd Chapel - All Donations Collected By Mosaic Church Go To City Relief And Mtree Organizations, Simple Tips For You To Help Too

It’s homeless awareness month

Join us on #Rooseveltisland this Saturday for a benefit concert. Donations go to @CityRelief_ and the ongoing work with un-housed neighbors & migrants

Reserve your space here https://t.co/ryrkJC2Hou pic.twitter.com/e0zAEvIDx9

— Dan Sadlier (@dansadlier) November 14, 2023

Roosevelt Island resident and Mosaic Church Pastor Dan Sadlier reports

#EVERYHUMAN A HOME

A benefit concert for our most vulnerable and unhoused neighbors.

As homelessness continues to rise in NYC and beyond, and as the developing world continues to fight for basic human needs, we at Mosaic Church long to steward the generosity of neighbors who currently have access to resources for our most vulnerable neighbors both (here) in the NY region, and (there), across the world in developing countries.

Join us for a free night of New York's finest music; from classical, to R&B, from recording pop artists, to internationally acclaimed pianists. We invite you and your friends to enjoy a variety of music in the historic Chapel of Good Shepherd, with the aim of raising 10K for two critical NGO's that are serving the most vulnerable in this moment.

Saturday, November 18th @ 5PM

543 Main Street, NY NY 10044

The Historic Chapel of the Good Shepherd

All donations collected by Mosaic Church will go directly to these two non-profit organizations below. The concert is free, with generous donations suggested.

Cityrelief.org- City Relief is a mobile outreach in NYC/NJ, offering people experiencing poverty and homelessness hot meals, supplies, and connections to resources for housing, employment, and health care. These connections change people’s lives. Over 60,000 neighbors were served just in the past 12 months.

Mtree.org- Mtree creates artful change, a renewal of marginalized communities in developing countries to become healthy, sustainable communities through art and design

Here is a collaborative piece from CEO of City Relief, Josiah Haken and Roosevelt Island Pastor Dan Sadlier

The holidays are a time to gather together with friends and loved ones to share a meal, watch sports, and remember the good things in life we too often take for granted. This year in particular, economic uncertainty, mental health challenges, political unrest, the residual effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, and more are competing to crush our spirits and peace of mind.

I (Josiah Haken) have found that the best way to shift from agonizing over what is wrong with the world to celebrating what is right is to choose compassion over complacency.

I have the privilege of leading an organization called City Relief. We go into the streets of New York and New Jersey with vehicles renovated as mobile soup kitchens that are used to share delicious meals as well as essentials like socks and toiletries with the unhoused community/

We eat with our guests and have ordinary dinner table conversations with them that, unfortunately, many people won’t. This establishes trust, which often gives us the opportunity to connect people to resources getting them off the street altogether.

Our volunteers consistently leave these events fulfilled, experiencing the joy of seeing their neighbors in need, not as a problem to solve, but as human beings worthy of compassion. This last year alone we were able to serve over 60,000 guests, many of them un-housed or in the shelter system.

Systemic problems as complex as homelessness often leave us feeling overwhelmed and paralyzed because any effort we make can feel futile. How will a few dollars here or a cup of coffee there improve a person’s situation anyway? In fact, many think such generosity actually exacerbates their situation by enabling people to continue panhandling, or worse, pay for drugs or alcohol.

I’d like to suggest a different narrative this holiday season. I have a friend that I’ll call Steven. He moved to New York City after college for a job that he lost when his mental health declined. He consequently lost his health insurance, effectively halting his treatment.

Steven slept in the street because he didn’t feel safe in the city’s congregate shelters, an all-too-common feeling among homeless New Yorkers.

Additionally, the shame of what people would think of his mental health and homelessness forced him into despair and isolation.

When I met him on the street, he was completely alone. I invited him to volunteer at our outreach events. City Relief makes a point to include our unhoused guests as contributors, not just beneficiaries.

Steven agreed, and over time, began to open up to our team. He found purpose and a sense of belonging through serving other people in a similar situation. Eventually, City Relief staff helped him find appropriate mental health care, stable housing, and a job that pays a living wage.

Maybe you’re not sure how you can help people like Steven -- you are not alone. I (Daniel Sadlier) have met hundreds of people over the years who want to make a difference but don’t know where to begin. I've talked with many of our Roosevelt Island neighbors that feel like the increase in NYC homelessness, alongside the migrant crisis, is too large to even know where to start. If that’s you, remember this: always start with what you have, right where you are. For myself and so many of our neighbors, that is right here on Roosevelt Island, where each year we see a handful of un-housed neighbors find their way to our little neighborhood in the east River

Steven shared with City Relief staff that even on his worst days, there were random people who offered him the dignity of eye contact, a short conversation, or even a cup of coffee. He insists that these small acts of compassion carried him through the most difficult seasons of his life.

What if your family and friends were to dedicate an hour this holiday season to assemble what I call kindness kits? These are Ziploc bags that have essentials like travel-size deodorants, body wash, toothbrushes, toothpaste, new socks, bottled water, or a gift card for a local coffee shop.

Once assembled, you can walk to the Roosevelt Island train station and look for people like Steven who might need help getting through the day. Or if that makes you uncomfortable, you can donate them to an organization like City Relief who will gladly distribute them on your behalf.

Another idea may be to collect winter coats, gloves, and hats that are in good condition and distribute or donate them to your neighbors who will spend a lot of time outside this winter. You could also make a financial donation to your nonprofit of choice and invite your friends or colleagues to follow suit. You will be surprised by how much helping others may end up helping you.

The truth is that many of us are experiencing difficulties right now. As a result, choosing compassion over complacency may not feel natural. But what we have learned from people like Steven is that when life is taking more from you than you have to give, the best thing to help yourself is to look for ways to help someone else.

"EVERY HUMAN A HOME '' BENEFIT CONCERT -On behalf of City Relief and Mosaic Church, we want to invite you to an epic benefit concert that will be held at the Chapel of The Good Shepherd this Saturday, Nov 18th at 5PM. Join us for folk, pop, R&B, and Classical from some of the best musicians around. In addition, learn a bit more about our current crisis here in New York, and how you can play your part to give every human a home

Watch Discussion Of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Issues With RIOC Chief Kevin Brown During March 16 RIRA Public Safety Committee Meeting Last Night - Crime, Homeless, Dog Poop, Speed Cushions, Main Street Traffic Safety, Full PSD Staffing Levels & More

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Chief Kevin Brown regularly attends meetings of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) chaired by Erin Feeley-Nahem continuing the community policing policy practices established by former PSD Chief Jack McManus.

Chief Brown reports to the PSC about recent PSD activities and learns about Roosevelt Island Public Safety concerns and issues from PSC members during these meetings. The dialogue is valuable in keeping lines of communications open between PSD and the Roosevelt Island community as well as an opportunity for the community to hear the perspective of PSD on a variety of issues. 

During last evening's March 15 PSC Committee meeting, Chief Brown reported:

• PSD staffing is back to full staffing after suffering shortages due to sickness from Covid 19,
• 4 PSD Officers were accepted into NYPD,
• Recent assault at Manhattan Park between 2 friends,
• Attempted Robbery At Subway Station
• Homeless Situation,
• Installation Of Speed Cushions, not Speed Bumps or Humps,
• PSD Officers to issue summons for persons seen not picking up their dog's poop,
• Main Street Pedestrian/Bike/Vehicle Traffic Safety
  

Here's the PSC meeting discussion.  

Contact RIRA PSC Chair Erin Feely-Nahem if you wish to participate in the April meeting with PSD Chief Kevin Brown.

Homeless Encampment At The Roosevelt Island Subway Station - Residents Ask What Can Be Done?

The subway is what makes New York City possible. But if the people who use it and make it run every day aren't safe, we'll never truly recover.

The Subway Safety Plan is how we'll get the greatest mass transit system in the world back on track: https://t.co/dywwRe0iBb pic.twitter.com/OGotphJ34p

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) February 18, 2022

A Roosevelt Island resident reported this morning:

What is the appropriate action to take for people who are living in the Roosevelt Island Subway station? There were people camped out on both platforms. I was surprised to see an entire set up with a mattress at the platform today. They were sleeping and didn’t bother anyone. However we had a very erratic person screaming and shouting on the platform frightening all the school children this morning. There was no public safety in sight. How do we get more regular monitoring at our station?

Read some of the comments to Roosevelt Islander Instagram post for more thoughts on Roosevelt Island homeless issue. 

• I counted no less than ten TEN!!! this morning. The subway has sadly become a mobile homeless shelter. Besides the fact that these individuals are taking up space in the cars during prime rush hours (yes they are full during certain hours) there is the public health aspect. One individual was laid out on bench soaked in urine. Unhealthy. The Mayor announced a lot of plans but we see no execution.
• Unlike the NYC shelter system, people find this relatively clean and safe. It’s really sad when this is your best option in a city with a budget surplus of almost one billion dollars. NYC desperately needs much more supportive, low-income housing.
• this is not a MTA or NYPD issue. This is a Humanitarian issue not being addressed. These are human beings displaced by the rising cost of living in NYC. We need real solutions that don’t stigmatize the homeless.  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @rooseveltislander

The issue of homeless people in and around the Roosevelt Island subway station was discussed during the February 15 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department Chief Kevin Brown. According to Chief Brown:

 ... there were a few homeless in the subway system. We got a few complaints of some of the homeless harassing residents in the subway system which we are working with NYPD and they have promised they're going to step up their patrols in in the subway.  We have received a number of complaints and we are actively addressing it. We have our patrols. We don't patrol inside the station. That's the MTA and NYPD, but outside the station we do patrol outside of the station ... 

RIOC PSD Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso said:

... I was speaking to a couple of the transit officers down in the subway within the last week about the homeless sleeping down there. They are one thousand percent about allowing them to keep warm type of shelter and as long as they're not harassing anybody down there they're all for really trying to accommodate them to the best of their ability and not throw them into the cold.

Most of them do not want homeless services. They don't want to go to the hospital. You want to be very compassionate.  If they're not committing any crimes,  allowing them to keep warm and allowing them to to have bathroom facilities. It's something that they're all for.  I did have a conversation with a couple of the transit officers down there and if they're not committing any crimes they really do not want to push them away and put them in a worse condition...

 Here's the RIRA Public Safety Committee meeting discussion of the Roosevelt Island homeless issue.

  

A Roosevelt Island parent shares these concerns:

It has been relayed to me that the Roosevelt Island Subway Station does not have enough cameras for PSD/NYPD to monitor what is going on. Beyond the homeless situation this is extremely concerning given the number of threats that MTA gets. I think we as a community need to demand this is fixed asap because if anything does happen on the platform we need to know there will be a record of it.

People living in the Roosevelt Island Station: As you reported on your Instagram we have people who have taken up living in the station. Although I personally have not seen them do anything harmful I think it causes 2 issues:

a. It encourages more people to come to this station which could lead to a larger issue. As another parent reported her children have been subjected to seeing them urinate on the tracks in the morning on the way to school. 

b. There are so many random bags and belongings lying around that it is hard to tell if something is a random item that has been left at the station that we should report or not. As someone who is accutely aware of subway threats this stuff lying around is triggering. 

The person who was acting extremely erratic this morning at 7am was apparently taken away by PSD around 7:30am but by the time i got back to the island around 8am they were back at the station shouting at people. This is a larger issue with the law and there being no consequence for disorderly behavior. I'm not sure what we do here but I have tried doing what I can as a private citizen to report and I hope you article provides encouragement for more people to report this in real time. Also if your article could clarify the steps people should take (call PSD, call 311, etc) that might be helpful since figuring out the steps to take is not easy or clear. 

According to the NYC Mayor's Office today:

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the Subway Safety Plan, which lays out how his administration will begin addressing public safety concerns and supporting people experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness on New York City’s subways. The plan includes comprehensive investments in short- and medium-term solutions, including expanded outreach teams with New York Police Department (NYPD) officers and clinicians, additional housing and mental health resources, and outlines long-term systems improvements through changes to state and federal laws to connect more New Yorkers to the care they need. A key component of the plan will also direct NYPD personnel to assist in enforcing certain subway rules, such as sleeping across multiple seats, exhibiting aggressive behavior to passengers, or creating an unsanitary environment....

 

The NYC Department of Homeless Services adds:

... What should I do if I see an individual or a group of individuals that appear to be street homeless?
For the most immediate response, New Yorkers who see individuals they believe to be homeless and in need should contact 3-1-1 via phone or mobile app and request outreach assistance. You should call 911 if the individual appears to pose an immediate risk to themselves or others or there is criminal activity.

What happens when I call 311 to report a homeless New Yorker in need of assistance?

• Individual calls 311 and a Service Request (SR) is created
• SR is evaluated and assigned to a service provider or a partner Agency, like NYPD, as needed
• If assigned to a service provider, outreach team is dispatched within an hour of receiving the request
• Service provider outreach teams attempt to locate that individual and if found directly engage the individual, assess for safety and encourage them to accept services and transition off the streets.

How do outreach teams engage a homeless New Yorker in need of assistance?
Experienced outreach teams from not-for-profit service providers canvass the five boroughs 24/7/365 as part of our citywide effort to identify and engage individuals who may be homeless, encourage them to accept services, and ultimately help them transition off the streets. Additionally, DHS performs joint outreach operations with community stakeholders and Agency partners, including the NYPD, the Parks Department, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Department of Transportation to utilize each Agency's expertise, engage more New Yorkers, and offer more supports. Outreach teams have helped approximately 2,000 homeless New Yorkers off the streets citywide, thanks to new investments and a doubling of the size of those teams.

More info here. 

UPDATE 10 PM - This Roosevelt Islander Instagram comment expresses what many fear: 

There's too many of them. Im sorry if this sounds insensitive but I don't want to worry about being pushed into the tracks or harassed. I don't want to worry if the guy mumbling is going to do something crazy. The island continues to have garbage everywhere. I don't know what the solution is but its not the subway. Mental health is a serious problem for a lot of them . The new guy that sits in the station is always drinking and was passed out on the stairs the other day. I wasn't sure if he was alive.

UPDATE 1/19:

You have my word as your Mayor: Protecting New Yorkers is my top priority.

We're not going to let a humanitarian crisis continue to unfold on our subways. We will keep them safe and make sure our homeless brothers and sisters have the dignity they deserve. pic.twitter.com/65HLpBRR9f

— Mayor Eric Adams (@NYCMayor) February 19, 2022

Mayor Eric Adams Feels Unsafe In NYC Subways, Do You? Roosevelt Island Parent Says Mentally Disturbed Person Threatened To Kill 4 Year Old Daughter Outside Roosevelt Island F Train Subway Station This Morning, Is Anybody Listening?

During a January 18 press briefing, NYC Mayor Eric Adams said:

... Day one, January 1, when I took the train, I saw the homelessness, the yelling, the screaming early in the morning, crimes right outside of the platform, we know we have a job to do, we're going to do both, we're going to drive down crime and we're going to make sure New Yorkers feel safe in our subway system. And they don't feel that way now, I don't feel that way when I take the train every day, or when I'm moving throughout our transportation system. That is our battle and that is what I'm going to do as the Mayor of the City of New York....

 

How do Roosevelt Island residents feel about safety at our F Train subway station? 

According to this Roosevelt Island parent the answer is very worried:

I'm concerned about the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department's (PSD) misaligned safety and security priorities.

This morning a mentally ill person threatened to kill my four-year-old daughter openly and directly. PSD was unable to help me identify or deal with the aggressor.

It happened at 8:30 am, under the subway station's archway while waiting for the red bus. As we arrived to wait there, the person was talking to themselves inside the station. Still, soon after, he walked outside and started speaking directly to my daughter and me screaming about racial injustice and saying, "I'll kill your kids, I'll kill your daughter," and "Yes, I am talking to you." 

I took my daughter into the subway station, and the aggressor left, walking north towards the pier. I did not have my phone with me, so I could not take images or videos of the person, so after dropping off my kid, I went to the PSD offices to identify them on camera.

I learned there that while there are cameras on that location, the PSD has no access to them. The PSD officer took a description, pointed me to the subway station, and ask for the NYPD officer there who should have access to the feeds.

Following up, I went to the subway station but was told that there are no officers stationed there, and they didn't know how to access the footage I was referring to.

This island has 4 points of ingress/egress. Not having video coverage of them seems like a more pressing safety and security concern than placing an officer on the promenade in case an electric scooter passes by.

Following last week's random murder in the Times Square subway station by an aggressor of a similar profile, I suggest this issue be taken seriously.

I asked Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) President Shelton Haynes and PSD Chief Kevin Brown today if they had any comment about this frightening incident at the Roosevelt Island subway station. 

No response yet from RIOC but will update if any comment is received.

RIOC Public Safety Chief Kevin Brown and Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso did engage in a dialogue with Roosevelt Island residents during the January 18 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) monthly meeting chaired by Erin Feeley Nahem.

Chief Brown reported during the RIRA PSC meeting: 

I've  said this a number of times that Roosevelt  Island is one of the safest communities in New York City. However, we have to keep our eye on the quality of life  issues out there that Public Safety will not let get out of control...  

Among the topics discussed during the meeting via Zoom were:

• PSD Staffing Levels - 95% of PSD received Covid Vaccinations. 21 of 40 Officers were stricken with Covid in December,
• 2021 Crime Statistic - 11 assaults majority of which are domestic violence incidents,
• Homeless,
• Parking (issuing of tickets),
  
• Traffic safety,
• Recent fire at Roosevelt Landings,
• Use of force and pepper spray on food delivery moped driver,
• Barrier gates on Main Street next to Main Street fire hydrant in front of Bread & Butter Deli,
  
• Main Street Unloading Zones and breezways,
• Manhattan Park cars parking on sidewalk plaza and
  
• Installation of Street Bumps/Humps
  

Here's video of the full meeting with discussion of these and other Roosevelt Island Public Safety issues.

Chief Brown, don't let safety issues around the Roosevelt Island F Train subway station get out of control.

UPDATE 1/21 - RIOC Public Information Officer Amy Smith replies:

PSD has and will always take incidents like this very seriously as safeguarding our community is a top priority. The island's low crime statistics show proof of these efforts.

When the resident offered a brief description to our sergeant's desk, two vehicles were sent to search for the individual. Unable to locate anyone fitting the description, PSD was unable to follow up with the resident as they chose not to leave their name or contact information.

We'd like to take this opportunity to remind residents and visitors of Roosevelt Island that the subway station, as well as the immediate surrounding area and surveillance equipment associated with it, is within the jurisdiction of the MTA and NYPD. With that said, PSD will continue to diligently patrol and swiftly respond to island incidents within our jurisdiction and work in conjunction with the 114th precinct when deemed necessary.

Roosevelt Island Is One Of Safest NYC Communities But Package Theft Popping Up During Holiday Season Says RIOC PSD Chief To RIRA Public Safety Committee Meeting - Only 12 Roosevelt Island Felonies Thru November, Watch Discussion Of Roosevelt Island Public Safety Issues

Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department (PSD) Chief Kevin Brown regularly attends meetings of the Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) chaired by Erin Feeley-Nahem continuing the community policing policy practices established by former PSD Chief Jack McManus.

Chief Brown reports to the PSC about recent PSD activities and learns about Roosevelt Island Public Safety concerns and issues from PSC members during these meetings. The dialogue is valuable in keeping lines of communications open between PSD and the Roosevelt Island community as well as an opportunity for the community to hear the perspective of PSD on a variety of issues.

Chief Brown told the December 21, 2021 RIRA PSC meeting attendees:

... I believe that this is one of the safest communities in New York  City. The crime stats say that this is one  of the safest communities in the city. 

We had one grand larceny and two assaults for three  crimes for the month of November and for the year  we've had 12 felonies ... which means that the numbers in our  community are are very very low...  

... The one thing that is popping up on the Island are packages being stolen during the Christmas season....

pic.twitter.com/oTudKQwqsc

— Roosevelt Islander (@Rooseveltisland) December 29, 2021

Among the issues discussed at the December 21 RIRA PSC meeting with Chief Brown were:

• Dangerous streets, potholes and sidewalk conditions,
• Bike Safety Signage and Placement,
• Delivery Packages Left In Building Lobbies Being Stolen
• Building Vertical Patrols
• Homeless living in Motorgate
• Will PSD Enforce Mask Mandate For Roosevelt Island Store Employees
  
• Issuing Summons For Street U Turns
  

Below is the current staffing, hiring process  and employment training orientation for the Roosevelt Island Public Safety Department.

Contact RIRA PSC Chair Erin Feeley-Nahem for more info or to attend a future meeting.

Roosevelt Island PSD Deputy Chief Says We're Constantly Offering Homeless People Services And Medical Assistance But They Have Right Not To Accept, Compared To Everywhere Else RI Homeless Situation Is Very Small - Can Coler Help Suggests RIOC CFO

According to the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC)  Public Safety Department (PSD) incident report for earlier this week:

10/18/21 – 0750 – 686 Main St – Homeless Removal – PSD responded – Condition corrected.
10/18/21 – 2120 – 688 Main St - Homeless Removal – PSD/NYPD/EMS responded – Aided transported to the hospital

During the October 19 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee meeting, Roosevelt Island PSD Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso addressed the issue of homeless people on Roosevelt Island. According to Deputy Chief Amoroso, PSD officers:

...are always, constantly offering them homeless services, medical services. It's their right to deny it. ... We are constantly going to them and asking them if we can bring them to a shelter or give them medical attention. Some do accept and some don't. Compared to everywhere else, our homeless situation is very small. We're trying to accommodate those people the best we can.

Of Roosevelt Island public bathrooms for homeless people to wash up, Deputy Chief Amoroso said:

... we do have 2 bathrooms, one on each end....

 ...  It's an unfortunate situation to be homeless and we don't want to treat them like criminals.

The issue of growing homeless problem on Roosevelt Island was also raised during the September 23 Community Board 8 (CB8) Roosevelt Island committee meeting hosted by resident and Committee Chair Lynn Strong-Shinozaki. 

According to Ms Shinozaki:

What I personally have noticed ... is that we are having a growing population of homeless people on the Island. 

I've heard reports about a couple of ladies who live in our subway station. I've heard reports about some gentlemen that live around the Island and one of the reasons why I wanted to bring this up as a discussion point was I love the fact that Roosevelt Island is definitely a community of what I call warm-hearted and empathetic people, but unfortunately I don't know that feeding, clothing and washing clothes and things like that are necessarily the best solution for the people who are living in the community who are homeless... 

... once it gets out that this is a really safe place for homeless people,  I'm concerned that the issue will grow and that we will start finding more and more people who are homeless here... 

RIOC CFO John O'Reilly participated in the CB 8 Roosevelt Island committee meeting and suggested:

... Coler is only half full. They have the ability to handle 800 residents. There may be an option that we can offer Coler as a place of assistance to these people. It's a hospital. They have health care there...  I know they have a different structure but if Coler would open up a couple of spaces or a wing, we may be able to use that facility as an option too.

Ms Shinozaki replied:

I think that's a great idea... 

 ...So many people who are homeless have mental health issues and I know that they have some really strong programs in Coler. ...

Coler Hospital has one of the strongest mental health programs of any rehabilitation facility so that may be something that we can start some some discussions on in terms of keeping these people who have come to our community safe in our community but be in a safer environment and more supportive environment...

Here's the full CB 8 Roosevelt Island Committee discussion on Roosevelt Island homelessness issue.

In February 2020, a long time member of the Roosevelt Island community puts forward this idea for discussion about the issue of homeless people on Roosevelt Island. 

... Recently I have been thinking about the growing transient and indigent population on the Roosevelt Island, both from the perspective of humane relief and from the perspective of the new issues imposed on the community -- community outreach and community response. I was entering the subway when the odor was overwhelming. I covered my nose and was reprimanded by a young woman for a lack of compassion. The cause of the odor this particular day was someone, a gentleman, I have often helped. I understand both concerns: the social justice concern, that every human is entitled to adequate shelter, and the pragmatic concern, that people fear the health/hygiene issues and related costs.

In response, I have tried to find a middle path that might address both the humanitarian concerns and the added cost imposed on a community, when there is a growing homeless population (I will refer to the latter in economic terms, as externalities, as such costs are shifted to the public budget, which is already stretched thin).

Recently a suggestion was floated that unused space in the hospital at the north end of the Island could be repurposed for beds. The community responded that this could create greater crime and health/hygiene issues. Too often public shelter facilities do not adequately address the longer term impact on the surrounding community. There are meaningful rights on both sides, and both need to be discussed and respected.

However, this proposal offers the opportunity to craft a modest solution: the unused hospital space could be repurposed to provide two showers, lavs, laundry and lockers. The facility could be open initially two days a week 8:00am to 8:00pm, and supervised with two personnel (a cleaning employee and a manager). Public Safety could be present to prevent potential victimization of the guests. Individually packaged toiletries could conceivably be solicited as "charitables" from corporate manufacturers. Towels would have to be worked out (as these present a hygiene issue). Los Angeles has pioneered a successful shower on wheels program through the work of private individuals. This could offer a model for humane relief throughout the city.

According to NYC Department of Homeless Services:

... What should I do if I see an individual or a group of individuals that appear to be street homeless?
For the most immediate response, New Yorkers who see individuals they believe to be homeless and in need should contact 3-1-1 via phone or mobile app and request outreach assistance. You should call 911 if the individual appears to pose an immediate risk to themselves or others or there is criminal activity.

What happens when I call 311 to report a homeless New Yorker in need of assistance?

• Individual calls 311 and a Service Request (SR) is created
• SR is evaluated and assigned to a service provider or a partner Agency, like NYPD, as needed
• If assigned to a service provider, outreach team is dispatched within an hour of receiving the request
• Service provider outreach teams attempt to locate that individual and if found directly engage the individual, assess for safety and encourage them to accept services and transition off the streets.

How do outreach teams engage a homeless New Yorker in need of assistance?
Experienced outreach teams from not-for-profit service providers canvass the five boroughs 24/7/365 as part of our citywide effort to identify and engage individuals who may be homeless, encourage them to accept services, and ultimately help them transition off the streets. Additionally, DHS performs joint outreach operations with community stakeholders and Agency partners, including the NYPD, the Parks Department, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Department of Transportation to utilize each Agency's expertise, engage more New Yorkers, and offer more supports. Outreach teams have helped approximately 2,000 homeless New Yorkers off the streets citywide, thanks to new investments and a doubling of the size of those teams.

Manhattan Community Board 8 Virtual Zoom Presentation On Goddard Riverside Safe Haven Homeless Housing Proposal For Upper East Side Wednesday January 13

Manhattan Community Board 8 represents Roosevelt Island and the Upper East Side. Roosevelt Island resident Ellen Polivy reports:

I'd like to give a plug for an important presentation at Community Board 8 Health Seniors and Social Services Committee this Wednesday January 13 about a proposed safe haven for homeless people on the Upper East Side.  

Occasionally homeless people find their way to community spaces on Roosevelt Island. It is so easy for people in NY to get into these situations. It has been said that many of us are one or two hard times away from homelessness. A job loss, loss of medical insurance, added expenses, perhaps a serious illness.  

I often wish there was something I could suggest to people in these circumstances. Now, maybe there is. City Council Member Ben Kallos, who has for years volunteered in the January 27 street homeless count, reports that a safe haven is proposed for 419 E 91 Street. The mission is to give individuals living on the street safe housing while they get social services and assistance finding long term housing.  

This Wednesday at 6:30, Goddard Riverside and the NYC Department of Homeless Services will present to the community board 8 health, seniors and Social Services committee in a zoom meeting.

Click here to access the Zoom meeting.

Learn more about Goddard Riverside Homeless Services program here.

Roosevelt Island Homeless Issue Growing Concern Among Frustrated Residents At Lack Of Solutions - Community Member Has Idea For Showers, Bathrooms, Laundry & Social Services At Unused Coler Hospital Space

Reported previously on Roosevelt Island residents increasing concern and frustration with:

... a growing homeless population and no social service to speak of....

A long time member of the Roosevelt Island community puts forward an idea for discussion about the issue of homeless people on Roosevelt Island.

Recently I have been thinking about the growing transient and indigent population on the Roosevelt Island, both from the perspective of humane relief and from the perspective of the new issues imposed on the community -- community outreach and community response. I was entering the subway when the odor was overwhelming. I covered my nose and was reprimanded by a young woman for a lack of compassion. The cause of the odor this particular day was someone, a gentleman, I have often helped. I understand both concerns: the social justice concern, that every human is entitled to adequate shelter, and the pragmatic concern, that people fear the health/hygiene issues and related costs.

In response, I have tried to find a middle path that might address both the humanitarian concerns and the added cost imposed on a community, when there is a growing homeless population (I will refer to the latter in economic terms, as externalities, as such costs are shifted to the public budget, which is already stretched thin).

Recently a suggestion was floated that unused space in the hospital at the north end of the Island could be repurposed for beds. The community responded that this could create greater crime and health/hygiene issues. Too often public shelter facilities do not adequately address the longer term impact on the surrounding community. There are meaningful rights on both sides, and both need to be discussed and respected.

However, this proposal offers the opportunity to craft a modest solution: the unused hospital space could be repurposed to provide two showers, lavs, laundry and lockers. The facility could be open initially two days a week 8:00am to 8:00pm, and supervised with two personnel (a cleaning employee and a manager). Public Safety could be present to prevent potential victimization of the guests. Individually packaged toiletries could conceivably be solicited as "charitables" from corporate manufacturers. Towels would have to be worked out (as these present a hygiene issue). Los Angeles has pioneered a successful shower on wheels program through the work of private individuals. This could offer a model for humane relief throughout the city.

Read more »

Roosevelt Island Homeless Using Riverwalk Commons Bench To Defecate Says Southtown Resident - It's A Health Hazard, RIOC Does Nothing And A Public Discussion Needed Say Residents

Last Friday, a Roosevelt Island Southtown resident took this picture of human excrement

on a Riverwalk Commons bench and sidewalk noting:

... This is a significant health hazard for the public community....

The feces remained thru at least Sunday afternoon,

before being washed away by the rain.

Another Southtown resident reported on Saturday:

The last four days as I have been leaving the island, there has been human excrement on the seats of the benches that flank the walk to the subway.

Apparently a number of homeless have stopped using the bushes due to the rat population and are now using the benches at night.

This is what we're up against with a growing homeless population and no social service to speak of. The same gentleman (who was seen doing this) spit at me Wednesday, ...  he screamed, "what, you too good for me now?" He also urinated in front of a young child, and became menacing when asked by the parent not to. Public safety declined to take any action, under DeBlasio's policy of not intervening unless they witness the event. video/pictures are not sufficient.

RIOC has done nothing to clean. There is also accumulating litter to the north of 475, and the cigarette butts in the Commons between 425 and 455 are in the thousands last time i photographed.

The dog run is never cleaned, and more folk are not cleaning after their dogs elsewhere.

Cleaning is not a priority on this Island: the Commons is never cleaned, the area north of 475 is awash in litter, the fruit stand has grease stains and food that attract rats,

...  I pulled a boat load of Starbucks trash out of the West Garden yesterday (the reason we have rats).

RIOC saw fit to spend $225,000 on useless holiday decorations, but can't clean or re-plant damaged grounds.

I'm not sure how to approach this, but i believe some action (beginning with a public discussion) is preferable to none.

The homeless issue was discussed during October 22 Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) meeting with Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety (PSD) Chief Kevin Brown and Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso



UPDATE 9 PM - Comments from readers:

• I have asked the homeless outreach team responsible for RI , to try to engage with the few homeless we have here. Sadly the homeless here are generally going to be 'hard to reach' and difficult to house/move on for various reasons. Stop and talk to them to find out why, they are all happy to chat (except the lady in black 😟) they are also happy to receive some food. We have no proof who 💩 on that bench ,it could have been someone drunk or an animal ?
• We seem to have more homeless people in the train station! This needs to be a topic for discussion in our community.
• Homelessness is a SEVERE health hazard for the homeless.
• Maybe there should be more public restrooms?

UPDATE 12/31 - More reader comments:

• A while back I asked a PSD officer what he was going to do about 2 homeless persons sleeping on the benches under the arcades. The answer was: As long as they don’t bother the others, we’re not doing anything about it. What do you think, PSD, are we bothered now?
• I have seen a quite sick homeless man for long time. He is installed between the subway building and Starbucks, leaving dirty clothes and belongings on the Starbucks outdoor chairs and tables, so no more enjoying that for me.
• That bum has been there since September. I have complained specifically to sbux. No action. I m going to start calling 311 soon. It is a disgraceful corporate policy to permit vagrants to domicile in the cafes. Nothing humane about it. They are mentally ill and should be removed. I don't care where to, just not sitting among paying customers. When public order is not maintained, your entire elected local and state government has failed. How these people use the franking privilege to boast about their dubious legislative achievements is beyond me. We also pay for our own 'public safety ' force, which is utterly ineffective. A pox on all their houses.
• I hope you never find yourself in such circumstances.
• BTW who do we speak with about all the people who let their animals pee and poop in the commons. There are kids and humans that lay down on the grass as well as play😣.The tiny no animals on the grass is not working. Perhaps some tickets are needed.

According to NYC Department of Homeless Services:

... What should I do if I see an individual or a group of individuals that appear to be street homeless?
For the most immediate response, New Yorkers who see individuals they believe to be homeless and in need should contact 3-1-1 via phone or mobile app and request outreach assistance. You should call 911 if the individual appears to pose an immediate risk to themselves or others or there is criminal activity.

What happens when I call 311 to report a homeless New Yorker in need of assistance?

• Individual calls 311 and a Service Request (SR) is created
• SR is evaluated and assigned to a service provider or a partner Agency, like NYPD, as needed
• If assigned to a service provider, outreach team is dispatched within an hour of receiving the request
• Service provider outreach teams attempt to locate that individual and if found directly engage the individual, assess for safety and encourage them to accept services and transition off the streets.

How do outreach teams engage a homeless New Yorker in need of assistance?
Experienced outreach teams from not-for-profit service providers canvass the five boroughs 24/7/365 as part of our citywide effort to identify and engage individuals who may be homeless, encourage them to accept services, and ultimately help them transition off the streets. Additionally, DHS performs joint outreach operations with community stakeholders and Agency partners, including the NYPD, the Parks Department, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Department of Transportation to utilize each Agency's expertise, engage more New Yorkers, and offer more supports. Outreach teams have helped approximately 2,000 homeless New Yorkers off the streets citywide, thanks to new investments and a doubling of the size of those teams.

More from NYC Department of Homeless Services here.

UPDATE 11:40

Public toilets might be a start. I think @RIOCny is working on a “comfort station” - maybe plans for that, with clear signage, could be of some use.

— Minnehanonck (@minnehanonck) December 31, 2019

There are restrooms open to the public on the island at both ends right? Can there be more signage to let the homeless population know they have options?

— hibernal worm (@indigogurt) December 31, 2019

Roosevelt Island Is Not Immune To NYC Homeless Crisis - Residents Association Asks RIOC PSD Chief What Can Be Done After Receiving Info From Parent Witnessing Public Urination?

Roosevelt Island is not immune from the NYC Homeless crisis nor do we have any solution to this difficult issue of balancing individual rights and personal privacy with protecting the health and welfare of the community.

For example, yesterday a Roosevelt Island parent reported:

Yesterday as I was walking across the lawn by the subway, the homeless man who sits by Starbucks opened his pants and started peeing right in front of me on one of the trees (by the former sports bar). When I confronted him about it, and asked why he doesn’t use the bathroom at Starbucks, he cursed and yelled back, and told me to call the cops. I called Public Safety, filed a report, and followed him until the officers arrived (he went back to Starbucks, where all of his luggage was). Later that afternoon he wasn’t there, but his luggage was still standing by one of the tables.

I understand Starbucks is allowing him to stay there. I also understand that the shelter system is screwed up. But, This is not only disgusting behavior, it is also a health and hygiene issue. And as a mother of two little kids, I don’t want them to be exposed to this.

Is there anything we can do?

The Parent added the response from thr Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department was:

... that they’ve spoken to the man about urinating in proper places (that’s after I called them to talk to him). And since they did not see it themselves, there’s not much more they can do at the moment. But they will ‘keep an eye’ on this guy now that they know what he looks like and where he usually hangs out. That’s it.

The homeless issue was discussed during last evening's Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Public Safety Committee (PSC) meeting with RIOC Public Safety (PSD) Chief Kevin Brown and Deputy Chief Anthony Amoroso

According to RIRA PSC Chair Erin Feely-Nahem:

... the community has to understand is that there is only so much they can do because they do have rights if they're not doing anything. Yes, if he was urinating and a Public Safety Officer saw it, the Public Safety Officer can give a summons....

I asked Chief Brown what PSD can and cannot do about the homeless issue.

Chief Brown said:

... If we don't observe the violation, we can't give a summons. If they're acting out in their behavior we will address it....

I followed up asking if there was any way to get them help, Chief Brown replied:

... We can call the homeless outreach unit and have other people respond...

Here's more info on the NYC Homeless Outreach Unit,



the full RIRA PSC discussion of homeless issue on Roosevelt Island



and from the Coalition For The Homeless.

On A Freezing NIght This Week, NYC Volunteers Participate In Hope Homeless Count - Roosevelt Island Resident Navigates For Team Counting In Central Park

Last Monday, many New Yorkers volunteered to count the number of homeless people living on our streets.  According to NYC Government web site:

... Every January, thousands of volunteers across the five boroughs participate in the annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE). That night, the volunteers canvass streets, parks, and other public spaces to identify individuals living unsheltered.

HOPE is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is a requisite for receiving funding under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. With approximately 1,500 survey areas covered, and the independent addition of decoys as a quality control measure, HOPE remains one of the most comprehensive efforts nationwide to help effectively project service needs and allocate resources for individuals who are experiencing chronic street homelessness...

On Monday, the @NYCDHS, along with thousands of volunteers, will count the number of people living in the streets for the #HOPE2019 count. Here's a look at last winter's count: pic.twitter.com/4qmq7T9XdN

— Poverty in America (@chasingthedream) January 27, 2019

Among the NYC volunteers was Roosevelt Island resident Frank Farance (pictured at left rear).



Mr Farance shared these photos and reports:

HOPE 2019: NYC's annual search/count of the homeless

This year, our team's assignment was Central Park: inside the park from 96 Street and north to 110 Street. The temperature on the ground was 19 F, the ground was hard and frozen, and icicles oozed out of rocks.



It was Code Blue, which means we need to wake up anyone we discover to make sure they are alive (and offer immediate shelter assistance), it's too dangerous to be sleeping outside.

The map shows the areas we cover: six sections of the park

where we might find homeless people. My CERT experience in Search and Rescue came in handy, as I was the navigator for the team.



There are about 2000 volunteers doing this City-wide, our section (Upper East Side and Central Park) started at Hunter College (Lex & 68 St), where about 100 of us got training 10 PM to midnight,

 

stocked up on snacks and water, and then headed out to survey 12:15 AM to 4:00 AM, and return the surveys and get a free T-shirt (really nice). I got home around 5 AM.

We had an escort from NYC Parks Department staff who were very helpful in their knowledge and expertise, especially walking around Central Park at night. Our Search Team 18 of seven people, covered many trails, roads, and benches. At times, we broke into two squads of 3 and 4 people, which allowed us to do the survey quicker, yet safely.

The park looks very very different at night and in winter with trees minus their leaves, and it can be disorienting when following trails that twist and turn - Which Way Is North?



Unlike daytime and summer time where one has the luxury of time, visibility, and warmth, that's not the case for us.

I snapped a couple photos of the Reservoir, which has a spectacular view looking south at Midtown Manhattan.



I've done thus survey for several years, I am happy I do this, it is a worthwhile effort, and I encourage others to volunteer, too.

From Roosevelt Island NYC Council Member Ben Kallos

Talking to @HenryRosoff from @PIX11News about tonight #HOPE2019 with @NYCDHS. We are counting our City's homeless population in person borough by borough street by street to get a more accurate idea of where resources are needed. pic.twitter.com/ek1wRUfbbp

— Ben Kallos (@BenKallos) January 29, 2019

and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer

Volunteers will spend all night canvassing the city to count the number of New Yorkers sleeping on the streets and direct them to shelter.

Thanks to everyone contributing to #HOPE2019 tonight—your efforts will bring us closer to ending homelessness in NYC. pic.twitter.com/TL1oxhn4Xh

— Gale A. Brewer (@galeabrewer) January 29, 2019

Channel 11 Pix News has more on the Hope Homeless Count.



According to the 2018 homeless count

Image From Hope 2019

there were a total estimate of 3,675 unsheltered individuals on January 22nd, 2018 (-6% from 3,892 in 2017).

Roosevelt Island Homeless Wheelchair Bound Woman Swindled Of More Than $1.5 Million By Trusted Roosevelt Island Deli Owner Charges Queens District Attorney

An owner of the Roosevelt Island Bread & Butter Deli was among 5 people arrested yesterday and charged in a scheme that swindled over $1.5 million from Michelle Carter, a wheelchair bound homeless woman who was frequently seen panhandling over the years on Roosevelt Island.

Heartless crooks swindle homeless amputee out of $1.5M in settlement cash https://t.co/2Q2VvlJiOU pic.twitter.com/B1SELYZVJp

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) October 26, 2018

According to this October 24 press release from the Queens District Attorney's Office:

FIVE PEOPLE CHARGED IN SCHEME THAT SWINDLED OVER $1.5 MILLION FROM WHEELCHAIR-BOUND HOMELESS WOMAN

Stolen Money Was Last of Settlement Victim Received After Losing Legs in Subway Incident; Main Defendant Allegedly Used Scammed Cash For Wedding, Bachelor Party and Honeymoon

Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown, joined by Amtrak Police Chief Neil Trugman, today announced that a 27-year-old Queens Bodega owner, his father, a bank manager and two other men have been variously charged with crimes ranging from money laundering, grand larceny, conspiracy, criminal possession of stolen property and other charges for allegedly bilking a wheelchair-bound homeless woman out of more than $1.5 million between October 8, 2015 and October17, 2018.

District Attorney Brown said, “The homeless victim in this case lost her legs years ago when she was struck by a Subway train. She sued and received a $4 million settlement. Her windfall, unfortunately, became the target of alleged scammers. The victim trusted a bodega owner to cash her check, but temptation proved too overwhelming. The main defendant allegedly used the money for his wedding and honeymoon and distributed funds to his friends. This kind of underhanded con is unacceptable and the defendants will be held accountable for these alleged crimes.”

Amtrak Police Chief Trugman said, “The Amtrak Police Department is working with and helping our law enforcement partners and the District Attorney’s Office in concluding Ms. Carter’s case by sharing all information and evidence we come across during our investigation. Amtrak continues to maintain a strong security posture to keep our stations safe for passengers and employees.”

District Attorney Brown identified the defendants as Ammar Awawdeh, 27, his father 58-year-old Yaser Awawdeh, both of 77th Street in Brooklyn, Salah Omairat, 30, of Fulton Street, also in Brooklyn, his brother Mukhtar Omairat, 36, of Staten Island and Anas Ali, 32, of Staten Island. (See Addendum for charges and arraignment details).

District Attorney Brown said that, according to the criminal complaints, Ammar and Yaser Awawdeh are the owners of the 579 Island Market store on Main Street in Roosevelt Island. The victim, Michelle Carter, 62, entrusted Ammar Awawdeh to cash one of her last settlement checks totaling just over $799,000. But when Ammar Awawdeh cashed the check he allegedly deposited the funds into the business’s bank account, where his friend and co-defendant Ali worked as a bank manager at the time. Between October 6, 2015 and October 30, 2015, defendant Ammar Awawdeh withdrew $200,000 of the funds for his personal use and distributed additional funds to the apprehend other defendants as well as to unapprehended others.

According to the complaints, continued District Attorney Brown, defendant Ammar Awawdeh used the pilfered $200,000 to pay for gambling trips and wedding expenses including a bachelor party in Las Vegas and honeymooning in Turks and Caicos.

Furthermore, said the District Attorney, according to the charges, in January 2016, the victim realized that her last settlement check for more than $886,000 was missing. She had placed the check in her Bible, which she carried around in her wheelchair along with her belongings. Ms. Carter went to a branch of the Bank of America to request that the check be re-issued. That is when she was told the check had been cashed and the victim reported the theft to the nearest law enforcement agency, the Amtrak Police at Penn Station.

The District Attorney said, according to the charges, the investigation revealed that defendant Ammar Awawdeh came to be in possession of the second check, however, this time not with the permission of the victim. Ammar Awawdeh along with his co-defendants allegedly conspired to steal the proceeds of this check by depositing it into the business bank account of a Queens bodega that was managed by co-defendant Salah Omairat at that time.

Continuing, said the District Attorney, the investigation allegedly revealed the second check was
deposited at the bank branch being managed by co-defendant Ali, who signed off on the depsoit of this check without the payee being present to endorse it. The following day, the stolen money was available to be disbursed and defendant Salah Omairat distributed more than $200,000 to himself and another bodega located in the Bronx. More than $200,000 was also given to defendant Ammar Awawdeh and the deli owned by he and his father and another $150,000 disbursed to his brothers bodega in Brooklyn.

According to the complaints, continued the District Attorney, defendant Yaser Awawdeh withdrew more than $40,000 cash and used $10,000 of that as a down payment for a new car. He also had $50,000 worth of cashier’s checks issued to several other entities, including a wholesale jeweler, a car dealership and a loan server. Defendant Ali was given $20,000 out of the cashed checks after approving the deposits. Ali no longer works for Chase bank.

A forensic analysis of all the bank records allegedly showed that the victim received just over $100,000 from the two checks that together totaled $1.685 million.

The case was investigated by Sergeant George Gernon, of the Amtrak Police Department, under the supervision of Inspector Kenneth Metz, Deputy Chief Martin Conway of the New York Division of Amtrak and Neil Trugman, Amtrak’s Chief of Police. The case was also investigated by Sergeant Patrick Dolan, of the Queens District Attorney’s Office, under the supervision of Lieutenant John Kenna, Deputy Chief Robert Burke and under the overall supervision of Chief Franco Russo. Also assisting in the investigation, Supervising Forensic Accountant James Dever, of the Queens District Attorney’s Office and Assistant District Attorney Christine Burke, of the Queens District Attorney’s Elder Fraud Unit.

Assistant District Attorney Christine Burke, of the District Attorney’s Elder Fraud Unit of the Economic Crimes Bureau, is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Silvana T. Sutich, Accountant and James J. Dever, Supervising Accountant Investigator, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Kristen A. Kane, Chief of the Elder Fraud Unit, Gregory C. Pavlides, Bureau Chief, and Christina Hanophy, Deputy Bureau Chief, and the under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for Investigations Peter A. Crusco and Deputy Executive Assistant District Attorney for Investigations Wilbert J. LeMelle.

It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The press release incorrectly identifies the Roosevelt Island deli as being a Queens bodega. Click here for full press release.

The Roosevelt Island Daily has more on Ms. Carter.

You're Invited To Community Board 8 Public Forum This Evening On Homelessness In NYC, What Is Being Done And How Can We Help?

Manhattan Community Board 8 (CB 8) represents the Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island. This evening the CB 8 Health, Seniors & Social Services Committee is presenting a public forum and panel discussion on:

HOMELESSNESS IN NEW YORK CITY: WHAT IS BEING DONE AND HOW CAN WE HELP?

Among the panelists are Roosevelt Island's NYC Council Member Ben Kallos.

Want to learn more about how you can help the homeless in NYC? On Thurs., April 12, our VP of Programs, Felipe Vargas, will discuss solutions on @CB8M's panel: "Homelessness in New York City: What is Being Done and How We Can Help." pic.twitter.com/dU6rXBAwBs

— The Doe Fund (@TheDoeFund) April 10, 2018

The CB 8 Homeless Forum starts 6:30 PM at Ramaz School - Heyman Auditorium 125 East 85th Street (Lexington-Park).