New York, N.Y. -- Rocky Chin, District 1 City Council Candidate, voiced his support for demonstrators at City Hall demanding same-day emergency housing for homeless welfare clients with AIDS. The rally, organized by the NYC AIDS Housing Network, mobilized a coalition of supporters appalled by the mayor’s refusal to provide adequate shelter for the city’s AIDS victims.
“Public service should not be confined to managing budgets, municipal services, and politicking. In fact, the premise of public service is based on a calling to serve. Public officials have an obligation to address the needs of their constituents, especially those most in need. The AIDS crisis has affected lives throughout our city and can no longer be ignored. Fortunately, our society has progressed from one of fearful ignorance of HIV/AIDS to sympathetic understanding. Unfortunately, our very own mayor has refused to recognize the needs of AIDS victims and has relegated them to second-class citizenship.”
In recent weeks, the mayor defended the current housing application process for people with AIDS. He insists that using hotels is a cheaper solution than building new housing. The current policy, however, requires hours of bureaucratic paperwork that prevents people with AIDS from keeping doctor’s appointments, gaining access to services and obtaining regular meals.
“The mayor must learn to understand the epidemic does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or sexual orientation. Indeed, it has had devastating consequences for every community in this city. Until the mayor recognizes this everyday fact, the current practice for emergency housing assignments will only exacerbate the plight of countless AIDS victims. ”
“As an attorney for the Human Rights Commission, I have seen how the disease can cripple entire segments of our community. My work at the Commission has given me the opportunity to procure services and protect the rights of men and women who continue to battle discreet and blatant discrimination simply because of their sexual orientation. I am firmly committed to the fight against HIV/AIDS. As a City Council Member, I pledge to continue fighting for access to services and facilities for New Yorkers with AIDS. ”
