Housing for Homeless Families in Far Rockaway on Brink of Eviction Crisis
A disturbing trend is unfolding in Far Rockaway, Queens, where two-thirds of families living in a publicly subsidized housing complex have been served with eviction papers over the past two years. The 63-unit Harriet Tubman building, owned by WIN, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter and supportive services, has seen an alarming number of evictions, with three tenants ultimately being removed from their homes.
The situation is particularly egregious given that these families were once homeless and had been provided with the support they needed to rebuild their lives. However, many have struggled to pay rent due to mental illness, lost jobs, or delays in receiving public assistance benefits, which cover a significant portion of their rent.
Eviction filings are not tracked by the city, but over 550 eviction warrants have been filed across supportive housing units nationwide, with 185 people being evicted. In contrast to what providers claim – that evictions are rare and only used as a last resort – many tenants report feeling overwhelmed by the court process, which can exacerbate mental health issues.
One tenant, Nilsa Maria, described how she was sued twice over owed rent after her daughter moved out and her public assistance benefits decreased. "They're supposed to help us out," she said. "I need help, I need help."
The city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has acknowledged the issue but claims that landlords must pursue every avenue before filing an eviction. However, tenant advocates argue that this approach can lead to a rapid escalation of evictions, which not only harms families but also drives up costs for taxpayers.
WIN CEO Christine Quinn said her organization was working with its landlord to slow down the eviction process and provide more support services to tenants struggling to pay rent. "Our responsibility is to make sure our tenants in supportive housing stay permanently housed," she said.
In response, the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has committed to expanding access to high-quality supportive housing, while the Department of Social Services is building a system to track eviction warrants and identify at-risk tenants. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and that funding for supportive services remains a major barrier to providing adequate support.
The situation in Far Rockaway highlights the need for more effective policies to address homelessness and mental illness, particularly among vulnerable populations. As one advocate noted, "It just creates upheaval" – a chaotic cycle of evictions, court proceedings, and further instability that can have devastating consequences for those involved.
A disturbing trend is unfolding in Far Rockaway, Queens, where two-thirds of families living in a publicly subsidized housing complex have been served with eviction papers over the past two years. The 63-unit Harriet Tubman building, owned by WIN, a nonprofit organization that provides shelter and supportive services, has seen an alarming number of evictions, with three tenants ultimately being removed from their homes.
The situation is particularly egregious given that these families were once homeless and had been provided with the support they needed to rebuild their lives. However, many have struggled to pay rent due to mental illness, lost jobs, or delays in receiving public assistance benefits, which cover a significant portion of their rent.
Eviction filings are not tracked by the city, but over 550 eviction warrants have been filed across supportive housing units nationwide, with 185 people being evicted. In contrast to what providers claim – that evictions are rare and only used as a last resort – many tenants report feeling overwhelmed by the court process, which can exacerbate mental health issues.
One tenant, Nilsa Maria, described how she was sued twice over owed rent after her daughter moved out and her public assistance benefits decreased. "They're supposed to help us out," she said. "I need help, I need help."
The city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) has acknowledged the issue but claims that landlords must pursue every avenue before filing an eviction. However, tenant advocates argue that this approach can lead to a rapid escalation of evictions, which not only harms families but also drives up costs for taxpayers.
WIN CEO Christine Quinn said her organization was working with its landlord to slow down the eviction process and provide more support services to tenants struggling to pay rent. "Our responsibility is to make sure our tenants in supportive housing stay permanently housed," she said.
In response, the city's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has committed to expanding access to high-quality supportive housing, while the Department of Social Services is building a system to track eviction warrants and identify at-risk tenants. However, critics argue that these measures are insufficient and that funding for supportive services remains a major barrier to providing adequate support.
The situation in Far Rockaway highlights the need for more effective policies to address homelessness and mental illness, particularly among vulnerable populations. As one advocate noted, "It just creates upheaval" – a chaotic cycle of evictions, court proceedings, and further instability that can have devastating consequences for those involved.
. Like, these families were already living on the edge, going from homelessness to having a roof over their heads - now they're facing eviction? It's just not right. The system is supposed to be there to help them, but it seems like they're getting pulled back into the same cycle of struggle.
. And yeah, the city's got some words and promises, but where's the real action? It feels like they're just trying to paper over the issue instead of actually doing something about it.
. Its not right that ppl who were once homeless are being kicked out again cuz they're having trouble paying rent. Idk, like I would feel so stressed if thats me. And it sounds like its hard to get help, since public assistance benefits can be all messed up 
.
. This eviction crisis in Far Rockaway is like, super disturbing 
.
But I dont think its enough, since theres still ppl being kicked out left and right. Idk, maybe they shd just raise the rent or something, but that wont help ppl who cant afford it 
.
. The fact that 550 eviction warrants have been filed nationwide is just insane... what's going on? 
And it's not just about the families, it's also about the taxpayers who are footing the bill for all these evictions 
. And what's with the lack of funding for supportive services? It's like they're expecting families to magically fix their problems without any help 
. This is just a symptom of a larger issue, but it's one we can't ignore 
I don't know, maybe I'm just being too optimistic...but someone's gotta speak up for these families who are being left high and dry 
. I wish we could have more resources for supportive services like WIN is trying to provide.
. Now, it feels like the system is failing them.
. Maybe if we can find ways to provide more affordable housing options and support services, we can break this cycle.
. More supportive housing, better tracking systems – these are all positive steps towards addressing homelessness and mental illness. It won't be easy, but I'm hopeful that with more funding and coordination, we can make a real difference 
. But now, with evictions piling up, it's like the system is against them 
.
. It's like they're saying, "Sorry, you can't have a break," when really, these families need support 
.
. We need to find a way to help these families before things get out of hand 
. It's time to put people over profits 
i think the city needs to take a closer look at this and make some real changes.
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. We need more resources for supportive services, not just temporary fixes that kick families around when they're already down 
.
i feel for Nilsa Maria she's got a daughter who moved out and her benefits decreased... that's just cruel 
. Maybe it's time for more funding for supportive services or some kind of rent control 
2/3 of families in Harriet Tubman building got kicked out, and they were just trying to get back on their feet after being homeless... mental illness, lost jobs, delayed benefits... that's a lot to deal with. its like, they're supposed to help us out 
but thats not helping anyone. the eviction process is already super stressful, now you add court stuff and it's like... a never ending nightmare