Opinion: Asking the NYC Mayoral Candidates for a Real Discussion on Family Homelessness

Various families live in the shelter system that is meant to be temporary for years We need concrete responses and leadership not just campaign slogans regarding candidates plans to address these issues A family outside the city s former shelter for immigrants at Floyd Bennett Field in Photo by Adi Talwar In New York there are plenty of bridges not only those made of steel and stone that connect our boroughs but also human bridges that connect our communities This invitation is a chance to cross such a bridge to meet people hear their voices and together build a path forward These constructions link opportunity people and neighborhoods However for the thousands of families trapped in our shelter system the only roads they can find are those leading them into further crises bureaucracy and uncertainty I am personally sending an open invitation for any feasible candidate seeking the vote in the upcoming Democratic primary for New York City mayor to participate in a panel discussion on family homelessness Monday And after the June primary we hope any candidates running in the November general voting will similarly engage with us and other stakeholders on these issues This challenge is a curse on our city one that now even middle-class families are experiencing Knowing personally the problems that the city state and hell the entire nation faces especially in these uncertain times I value a leader who will overcome resistance and not hesitate to embrace a task I appreciate the courage needed to defend what is right and essential as well as a leader we can rely on to protect our interests You know policies are just one aspect of the issue if you want to run this city then face the people the majority in need of leaders Our concerns are children being forced to complete homework in shelter hallways parents deciding between food and MetroCards or even finding a place to park Thousands of families whose futures are uncertain are seeking answers and a chance to thrive in a city we love New York City has treated family homelessness with negligence and lack of competence Specific families live in the shelter system that is meant to be temporary for years We need concrete responses and leadership not just campaign slogans regarding candidates plans to address these issues This panel will not be a routine panel discussion Instead it will be a genuine commitment to a fair direct conversation with those impacted by homelessness those who work in advocacy venues and those who have fought to get out of the system We need true leadership a mayor who will pledge to present proposals that place families above bureaucracy Families without homes deserve more than promises they deserve a place at the table when future decisions are made The invitation is still open Will you please accept Rhonda Jackson is a lived experience group engagement consultant and senior fellow with the Family Homeless Coalition Editor s note The Family Homelessness Coalition is among City Limits funders The post Opinion Asking the NYC Mayoral Candidates for a Real Discussion on Family Homelessness appeared first on City Limits