TIME CHANGE: Mayoral Candidates, Ruth Messinger, Electeds, and Lucerne Residents Rally Ahead of Court Hearing

NEW YORK, NY (11/13/2020) (readMedia)-- a previous press advisoy went out w/ the wrong time. this event is at 11am.

On Saturday, ahead of Monday's hearing, Maya Wiley, Dianne Morales, Ruth Messinger, Borough President Gale Brewer, elected officials, advocates, and shelter residents from the Lucerne will rally in support of the men staying at the Lucerne. At the same time, UWS Open Hearts will be distributing winter coats, hats, gloves, and other winter gear donated by the community.

On October 19th, Judge Debra James granted the men a TRO in response to a suite of affidavits from Lucerne shelter residents, a physician who specializes in substance abuse, a social worker, and a co-founder of UWS Open Hearts attesting to the irrational and harmful nature of the move. The official hearing is this Monday afternoon.

Because of the TRO, residents are now receiving 6-day-a-week services on-site from Project Renewal's Recovery Center, which provides intakes, occupational therapy, and group meetings. At a standard shelter such services would normally only be available off-site. This is on top of the robust case management, nursing, and wellness programs offered by Project Renewal's nearly 100 on-site staff members, and supplemental programming offered in partnership with local organizations and volunteers, such as walk and talks with faith leaders, resume workshops, and community donation events. The court ruling has also allowed a critical jobs program with Goddard Riverside's Green Keepers to proceed, offering up to 50 residents privately funded, stable employment.