By the end of June, 2009 a center will close that has for many years provided care and assistance for the elderly, homeless population in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. Peter’s Place is a drop-in site for those over the age of 55. Over the years, thousands of those in their 60′s and 70′s have found comfort and relief from the shelter. Those in their later stages of life, and who have found themselves homeless in such a large city, have found protection and care in the the center, as most centers are either not concerned with the care of the elderly, too over worked to concern, or those that can not afford the staff that is required to care for such a population. For although it is a homeless shelter, it has become known as a senior center that provides specialized medical services for members in the older age demographic, as well as activities such as chess games and knitting circles.
This has been a re-construction plan, of the Department of Homeless Services. A plan to reduce costs involves the cutting of the 24-hour staff necessary for ‘dropin’s', has been theorized as one way the organization will save money. It will no longer be necessary to employ round the clock workers, those who specialize in the care of the elderly. Only two centers cater to this population currently, and the cuts have left many uncertain about the future, as the regular shelters not only can not supply the care needed, but are frightening places for those already fragile souls. And no doubt this is in response to the national economic recession of the United States, for just as these centers are finding it difficult to sustain their services, more and more people are finding themselves in need of those services…finding themselves homeless for the first time in their lives. Arnold Cohen is the president of the organization, Partnership for the Homeless, and ironically, has considered the plan to cut services as a way to remain financially viable, meanwhile he has failed to consider the results that his actions will have on the population he is in charge of serving. It seems a bit like a restaurant deciding to cut costs by no longer serving food or a taxi company deciding to no longer offer fares in order to save money on gas. The Peter’s Place shelter needs help, from local businesses, five star New York hotels and restaurants and any other organizations that can and are still able to provide assistance during these times. The center was founded in the early 90′s and must have a longer run than fifteen years. The elderly population of New York requires it and deserves it.
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