Temperatures inside Wards Island homeless shelter fell to 45 degrees, inspectors say

[Romantic Software Warfare]

Homeless Shelter on Wards Island Exposes Residents to Extreme Cold

A shocking discovery was made during a recent inspection at the Schwartz Assessment Shelter, a men's homeless facility located on Wards Island. Temperatures inside the shelter plummeted as low as 45 degrees Fahrenheit in December, violating New York City's requirement that shelters maintain a minimum temperature of 65°F (18°C) - a full 20 degrees above freezing.

Residents have reported having to endure harsh conditions for weeks, with some even managing to keep their food from spoiling due to the extreme cold. Reinaldo, who wishes to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation from shelter staff, expressed his frustration, stating that he had been wearing multiple layers and accessories just to stay warm.

The Coalition for the Homeless, a group that conducts regular inspections of city shelters, has visited the facility several times since early December and recorded temperatures in the 50s and low 60s. This is not an isolated incident; volunteers have complained about drafty windows and broken heating systems, which have allowed cold air to infiltrate the entire shelter.

In response to these findings, the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) has claimed that the issue lies with the aging building's infrastructure and the window units, rather than a problem with the heating system itself. However, according to Jamie Powlovich, a senior manager for the Coalition for the Homeless, this is a classic case of inadequate ventilation.

The city acknowledges the problem, stating that they are working to renovate parts of the building. Despite these efforts, residents will continue to face extreme temperatures until the necessary repairs are made. The Coalition for the Homeless has deemed this situation unacceptable and has vowed to monitor the shelter's conditions closely throughout the winter months.

 

[The Care]

I was just thinking about how crazy it is that we're still relying on those old-school window units to keep us warm in shelters... I mean, I know they can't exactly be replaced with fancy new heating systems right now, but 50s and low 60s? That's like trying to live in a walk-in fridge!

And have you ever noticed how some of these shelter renovations just keep getting pushed back? Like, it's always "next month" or "next quarter"... what's up with that? Can't we just get something done already?!

I swear, I'd rather be out in the cold than stuck in a drafty shelter. At least when you're outside, you can at least feel the wind in your hair... sorta. Anyway, back to this shelter stuff... I'm all for fixing it up, but come on, DHS!

 

[Miniat]

I'm all for supporting our homeless friends, but come on... 45 degrees Fahrenheit? That's crazy! I get that the building is old, but shouldn't we be doing more to keep people warm? I mean, it's not like they're asking for much - a basic human right, if you ask me. The city says it's infrastructure and ventilation issues, but I think there's more to it than that. I've been reading about these shelters online, and it seems like they're often underfunded. Can't we do better than this?

 

[Ultimat]

I'm really shocked by what's going on with that homeless shelter. 45 degrees Fahrenheit is like, freezing! And it's not just the temperature, but the fact that they're having to deal with drafty windows and broken heating systems too. It's like, how are you supposed to stay safe and healthy in a situation like that? The city needs to do better than just saying "oh, it's the building's infrastructure" - they need to actually fix the problem. I mean, can't we afford to renovate a few buildings to help people in need? It's not right that people are having to suffer because of the system failing them.

 

[Attractive Ape]

omg like what is going on with shelters in NYC?? they cant even keep it warm enough for ppl who are struggling i mean 65 degrees is a pretty low bar but come on 45 degrees? thats crazy cold and drafty windows and broken heating systems? that sounds super uncomfortable and even dangerous how can the city say its infrastructure and window units but also blame poor ventilation? like doesn't it just sound like theyre not doing enough to fix the problem? i feel bad for the ppl living in this shelter, they deserve better

 

[Remote Liza]

I mean, come on... 45 degrees in a homeless shelter? That's just crazy talk! I'm no expert, but it seems to me like our city is prioritizing profits over people. This whole thing reeks of neglect and bureaucratic red tape. I got news for the DHS: fixing this shelter isn't just about replacing some window units or upgrading the infrastructure - it's about basic human decency! Our residents are freezing their tails off, and you're telling me that's "infrastructure"? Give me a break!

And what really gets my goat is that volunteers are complaining about drafty windows and broken heating systems, but no one wants to take responsibility. That's like saying, "Oh, it's not our fault the building's old" when in reality, it's your job to fix it! The Coalition for the Homeless is right on the money - this is a ventilation issue, plain and simple.

I'm calling foul on the city's excuse-making here... It's time to step up and show some real leadership. 65 degrees Fahrenheit is not just a number, it's a basic human right!

 

[Arr]

This is just devastating . I mean, who wants to live in a place where you're literally freezing? But you know what the real issue here is? It's not about the temperature or the building infrastructure... it's about humanity. We need to ask ourselves, are we really doing enough for our most vulnerable citizens?

I think about my grandma when I see this story. She used to volunteer at a soup kitchen and she always said that we should never forget that everyone has a story, everyone deserves respect. The fact that these guys have to endure such harsh conditions just because they don't have a roof over their heads... it's heartbreaking. We need to do better, folks!

 

[Relieved Rhinoceros]

OMG , can't believe the state they're living in on Wards Island ! Like, 20 degrees below the minimum temp they need to stay safe... it's ridiculous . And volunteers are complaining about drafty windows and broken heating systems? That's just basic maintenance . The city's trying to spin it as the building's issue, but come on, poor ventilation is a huge problem here . I'm not surprised they're having to freeze their food... it's like they're living in a fridge, literally! Need to get this place fixed ASAP so these guys can stay warm and safe

 

[Lair]

I'm so done with this Shelter on Wards Island thing! Like, come on, 45 degrees is COLD, especially for homeless people who can barely afford a hot meal let alone a warm place to sleep. It's not like they're trying to freeze themselves in a fridge or something (although, tbh, some of these shelter residents might be kinda doing that). Seriously though, who lets the temperature drop that low? The city is all like "oh, it's just the building infrastructure" but nope, that's just an excuse. It's about ventilation and proper heating systems. I mean, can't they see that this is a basic human rights issue? We need to get these temps up ASAP so nobody gets hurt. It's not that hard, people!

 

[Chinese]

OMG this is crazy , like, 20 degrees below minimum temp required in shelters? That's insane! I'm not surprised though, old buildings can be super problematic, but it's just not okay that people are freezing their bums off . The city needs to step up and renovate ASAP, like what's taking so long? And btw, who thought it was a good idea to use window units for heating in a cold island ? It's no wonder the drafty windows and broken systems are letting all that cold air in... not cool . The Coalition for the Homeless is totally right to be all up in the city's grill about this, they need to make it right !

 

[Jolly Jagu]

Ugh I'm like totally on the side of the city here . I mean, come on 45 degrees is still pretty mild. It's not like they're freezing to death or anything... and can't they just, like, use some duct tape to fix those windows? I know it sounds ridiculous but I think people are overreacting a bit. And honestly, if you're really struggling that bad maybe you shouldn't be living on Wards Island in the first place . Let the free market deal with the homeless problem instead of throwing cash at 'em all day long .

 

[Shy Snake]

omg u guys, can u believe this homeless shelter on wards island is literally freezin in the middle of winter? like 45 degrees fahrenheit?! i mean i've seen some bad stuff online but this takes the cake and its not just one isolated incident either, they've had drafty windows and broken heating systems for weeks which is so irresponsible. the city's saying its the building's infrastructure or the window units but honestly sounds like a cop out to me...shouldn't be that hard to fix the heating system when it comes to keeping ppl safe

 

[Armored Rocket II]

This is a perfect example of how our city's homeless policies are being put on the backburner... I mean, literally . 45 degrees Fahrenheit in December? That's not just cold, that's downright inhumane. Our politicians always talk about supporting vulnerable populations, but when it comes to actual action, we're left shivering in the dark.

It's clear that our city is struggling with a lack of resources and infrastructure... or should I say, a lack of prioritization? They can't even get the basic heating systems working right, and now they're saying it's due to aging buildings? Give me a break. The real issue is inadequate funding and oversight.

I'm calling on our local leaders to take responsibility for this crisis... or rather, for not addressing it sooner. We need to demand better from our elected officials. No more excuses, no more empty promises. It's time for action .

 

[Black Boar]

This is a major concern ... the fact that homeless people have to endure extreme cold in a facility supposed to provide them with safety and warmth is just heartbreaking . It's not like they're being exploited, it's just basic human decency. I mean, 20 degrees above freezing is still pretty chilly, especially for guys who are already struggling on the streets.

The excuse about the aging building's infrastructure sounds like a weak one to me ... if the city is really serious about helping these people, they should be upgrading their shelters ASAP. And what's with the broken heating systems? That's just irresponsible management .

I'm glad the Coalition for the Homeless is keeping an eye on this and won't let things slide ... but we need more than just promises of renovation to fix this problem. We need action, and we need it now .

 

[Wear]

omg 45 degrees is crazy even i live in nyc and its freezing outside i cant imagine having to deal with that in a shelter like what if someone had an allergy or something they wouldnt be able to breathe

i feel bad for the guys living there reinaldo sounds like he's being super chill about it but honestly its not cool to have to wear 5 layers just to stay warm im all for renovation efforts but come on 65 degrees is a basic requirement

 

[MTV's Army Sma]

omg what a nightmare i dont think its fair that ppl r struggling like dis in shelters supposed 2 provide warmth n safety! they r literally having 2 bundle up just 2 stay warm n not even get frostbite 2 me, its not just about the temp but also bout the drafty windows n broken systems, thats a design flaw n needs 2 b addressed ASAP

 

[Preschool D]

I'm still fuming about this homeless shelter on Wards Island . I mean, can't they do better than 45 degrees in December? It's like, basic human decency right? They're supposed to be providing a safe space for people who don't have a home, not freezing them out. And what really gets me is that the city is just saying it's an issue with the building's infrastructure... yeah no, it's more than that . The Coalition for the Homeless has been going around and seeing temperatures in the 50s and low 60s, which is still way too cold. And what about all those drafty windows and broken heating systems? It's not just a simple case of upgrading some old stuff. They need to figure out why they can't keep their shelters warm and cozy for everyone .

 

[Educational Outlaw DX]

Man, can you believe this ? They're literally freezing people out on Wards Island in that shelter! I mean, 45 degrees Fahrenheit is not just cold, it's like, totally unbearable . And they're saying it's because of the building's infrastructure and window units? Come on, DHS, get with the times! We need to make sure our homeless folks are safe and warm, especially during the harsh winter months.

I'm so frustrated that this shelter has been like this for weeks, and no one is doing anything about it. It's not just about the physical conditions, it's also about the emotional toll it takes on people. I can only imagine how scary and lonely it must be to have to endure such temperatures without any proper heating.

We need to do better, NYC! We need to make sure our homeless shelters are equipped with functional heating systems and adequate ventilation. This isn't just a matter of providing temporary housing, it's about showing compassion and humanity towards people who need it most .