News12 New York
N12 Originals
Numbers & Links
Local
Crime
Weather
NYC Politics
Rebuilding The Bronx
Vote 2026: Bronx primary election

Westchester Square homeless shelter sparks community concern

The shelter, which can house 200 single men, has raised concerns about safety and its impact on the neighborhood.

Lindsay Tanney

Dec 19, 2024, 6:47 AM

Updated

Share:

More Stories

A new homeless shelter on Blondell Avenue in Westchester Square is causing controversy among locals.

The shelter, which can house 200 single men, has raised concerns about safety and its impact on the neighborhood.

“They come to the store, they beg for money from the people. That’s how it is,” said Jose Rodriguez, a deli worker in the area when asked about the homeless population.

Residents at this homeless shelter urge neighbors to give residents a chance.

Toussaint Fitzgerald, who lives at the shelter, said, “Sometimes you’ve got to put yourself in other people’s shoes… you would want somebody to give you a shot.”

Residents are calling for increased police presence near the shelter.

News 12 reached out to the NYPD and Department of Social Services for more information about crime and patrols around the shelter, but has not heard back yet.

More Stories

Top Stories

App StoreGoogle Play Store

info

Newsletter

Send Photos/Videos

Contact

About Us

News Team

News 12 New York

follow us

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

more resources

Optimum Corporate

Optimum Service

Advertise on News 12

Careers

Content Removal Policy

© 2026 N12N, LLC

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

Ad Choices