July 6, 2009

Proposed HIV/AIDS Shelter Angers Residents in Queens, New York

Residents of a New York City neighborhood expressed their displeasure with plans by a local nonprofit group to open a shelter for people with HIV/AIDS without first consulting the community, the New York Daily News reports.

The nonprofit Queens Alliance heard complaints at a public meeting from more than 100 residents of Elmhurst, Queens. By providing temporary and emergency housing for a maximum of 29 people, the group hopes to find its participants permanent jobs and housing.

Many local residents disagreed with the group’s plans. “It’s completely unsafe for all the children that play in the streets,” said Elmhurst resident Christine Chau.

“I understand what the community is saying…but we have to put [the homeless] somewhere,” said Yolanda Martin-Garibaldi, vice president of Queens Alliance.

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Previous Comments:

NYC Nurse, Midtown east Manhattan, 2009-07-08 15:44:27
I hope Christine Chau gives her children the proper HIV teaching. Because she better put on some metal britches with double locks on her kids once they become sexually active. People in that community should look in the mirror first and ask themselves their own sexual practices! I hope the plan comes through just because of what was said. You aren't the only one in pursuit of life, libert and happiness.

Carl, NYC, 2009-07-07 17:45:50
Yeah, and playing in the streets of Elmhurst is completely safe.

michelle Lopez, Brooklyn, 2009-07-07 16:48:28
It is a shame that in 2009 we are having to address this issue. Where is the education that is needed for the residents of this community. This is discrimination that serves no purpose. What harm do people living with the virus have on children. I would love to ask this community what are the risks that they know of. Maybe there is something today that they know that the HIV community is not aware of in reference to transmission.

Gail, Conley, 2009-07-07 15:29:26
What do they mean it is unsafe? That is a very ignorant comment. You can't catch HIV from being in the same vacinity as someone. I am shocked that people are still so ignorant of this disease in such a knowlegeble time. They are more likely to be hit by a car from playing in the street than they are to contractin HIV.

Dave Martin, Austin, 2009-07-07 10:31:04
"Unsafe for children"? Are they implying that HIV-positive people might, by their very presence, infect the kids? I hope the city stands up for the shelter and its prospective residents.