To: Mayor Bill deBlasio
Shelters For The Disabled in NYC
I am a quadriplegic woman who had to flee her home state last Fall escaping abuse. When I arrived in New York City, I found that the ONLY shelter equipped to accept disabled residents had a very long waiting list, but through what I can only call a miracle, I was accepted within a week. Had I gone to a regular shelter, I would have died within a few days. I am completely paralyzed from the chest down and need assistance with every aspect of my life. I cannot get a drink of water or eat without assistance.
While I was relieved to find a temporary place to live, I couldn't help but think: there are about nine million people in this city and only ONE (for profit) shelter equipped to meet their needs. Where do the rest go? It's tough enough to be disabled, but adding homelessness to it makes it unbearable. For this reason, I would like to plead with our new Mayor, Bill deBlasio, to please create Not-For-Profit Shelters for homeless disabled folks like myself who, through no fault of their own, have fallen on hard times and need a little more help than able-body people to get themselves back on their feet (figuratively speaking for some of us).
While I was relieved to find a temporary place to live, I couldn't help but think: there are about nine million people in this city and only ONE (for profit) shelter equipped to meet their needs. Where do the rest go? It's tough enough to be disabled, but adding homelessness to it makes it unbearable. For this reason, I would like to plead with our new Mayor, Bill deBlasio, to please create Not-For-Profit Shelters for homeless disabled folks like myself who, through no fault of their own, have fallen on hard times and need a little more help than able-body people to get themselves back on their feet (figuratively speaking for some of us).
Why is this important?
As a homeless disabled victim of abuse, I am living proof that the disabled community's most basic needs such as shelter and safety are being ignored to the point of neglect and abuse.
I am heartened by Mayor deBlasio's campaign promises to address income inequality in our city, which is why I felt compelled to start this petition to see a change in how revenue is invested so that the least fortunate are treated with a modicum of dignity.
I am heartened by Mayor deBlasio's campaign promises to address income inequality in our city, which is why I felt compelled to start this petition to see a change in how revenue is invested so that the least fortunate are treated with a modicum of dignity.