2004: INHUMANE SHELTER CONDITIONS AT THE WASHINGTON HOTEL

Rather than solve the housing crisis, the City of New York was increased contracts with slumlords and welfare hotels to warehouse the very poor. The Washington Hotel was one of these privately owned welfare hotels. Shelter campaign members were in these places and began organizing to improve conditions at specific shelters where they were staying. Below is an excerpt of a letter written to the manager of the Washington Hotel:

June 7, 2004

Mr. Allen Lapes

Washington Hotel

2289 Third Avenue

New York, NY 10035

Dear Mr. Lapes,

The Residents of the Washington Hotel along with Picture the Homeless would like to meet with you concerning the living conditions at the shelter. We feel that a meeting with you would give us a chance to voice our concerns in the hope that changes will be made. Please give this matter the urgency it deserves. We look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible with a meeting date and time.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Laureen Simmons

Washington Hotel Resident & Picture the Homeless Member

Tyletha Samuels Picture the Homeless Community Organizer

Jesse Hightower, Washington Hotel Resident & Picture the Homeless Member

Sabrina Bratton, Washington Hotel Resident & Picture the Homeless Member