On Monday, April 16, 2018, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Steven Banks, Commissioner of the New York City Human Resources Administration/Department of Social Services, co-hosted a “Homeless Awareness Roundtable” with community board leadership and clergy members from across the borough.
The day included a question and answer period with agency representatives and interactive activities to engage the community with an emphasis on counter-acting the negative stereotypes associated with homelessness.
“It is undeniable that we have a crisis on our hands, behind every data point there is person attached to it. Homelessness impacts everyone, and to address the issue we must be more willing to work together to develop and advocate for better innovative solutions, while also ensuring that community concerns are given consideration,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “This meeting represents the first step in a long-range plan to do just that, and I appreciate Commissioner Banks’ partnership in these efforts.”