Malliotakis Statement on Staten Island Homeless Shelters

(WASHINGTON, DC) - Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) today issued the following statement regarding Mayor de Blasio's decision to open two homeless shelters on Staten Island:

“The de Blasio Administration has blindsided the residents of Staten Island, elected officials and community leaders with their plans to bring two new homeless shelters on the Island this fall. The community should not have to learn about this decision in the press. In fact, early yesterday I was in communication with the Mayor regarding lifting certain COVID restrictions and he did not mention this. I will coordinate with local elected officials to see what tools may be at our disposal to fight the Mayor’s plan.  

“In 2017 when I was a candidate for Mayor, I stressed the importance of workforce training, enhancing – not dismantling – welfare to work programs, and as a State Legislator advocated for supportive housing instead of opening shelters. Instead of throwing money at the problem and locking individuals into a likely permanent cycle of homelessness, we should be looking for options to help the homeless transition out of the shelter system and give them more opportunities to advance in society and achieve their own American Dream.”