Good news!!! The homeless woman who turned a bus shelter on Central Ave into her home during the past 4+ months was persuaded by the West Co Social Services and Community Mental Health to finally accept assistance and to move out of the bus shelter.
homeless woman living in a bus shelter on Central Ave now has an apartment and bus shelter is clean
Good news!!! The homeless woman who turned a bus shelter on Central Ave into her home during the past four+ months was persuaded by the Westchester County Social Services and Community Mental Health to finally accept assistance and to move out of the shelter on Central Ave. She is now safe in an apartment and the bus shelter has been cleaned. The bus shelter where she lived is actually located in the City of White Plains. Since it is on the border of Greenburgh many residents had incorrectly assumed that the town had the authority to take action which we didn't have.
Many residents had contacted me expressing concern about her safety and sanitary conditions living in a bus shelter. Earlier this week (prior to her moving out) there were some very cold evenings. Many people were worried --how could someone survive a freezing winter living in a bus shelter?
Others had expressed concern that the bus shelter was not usable by other bus riders who benefit from a shelter while waiting for a bus. Many bags that she owned took up much of the bus shelter space.
Westchester County and others had tried to persuade the woman to accept help over the past few months and she had previously refused shelter or mental health services During the warmer months there are legal limitations as to what governments can do.
Although there is a happy ending --this story reminds us that Westchester County continues to have a homeless problem. It's sad. Wonder if there are any different action steps that could be taken if a similar situation occurs in the future.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
photo below of the way the bus shelter looked during the past few months
