Brooklyn Boro

Homeless woman successfully fights forced move within shelter system

May 14, 2018 By Raanan Geberer Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Rafael Espinal, who supported Castillo’s case. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Espinal’s Office
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A homeless mother of four children has successfully challenged the Department of Homeless Services after it ordered her to move within the city shelter system without explanation.

Angela Castillo, who was living in a city shelter in Bushwick, decided to fight after being told in July 2017 to move to another shelter that would be much further away from her children’s schools.

Castillo, who believes she was asked to move because she frequently complained about shelter conditions, sued and won — settling with the city after it agreed she could stay in the Bushwick shelter and that repairs would be made, according to The New York Times.

“Anyone of us could end up in the shelter system, and none of us should feel that the shelter system is working against us,” said Councilmember Rafael Espinal (D-Bushwick), who supported Castillo’s case.

Going forward, Espinal has introduced two bills: one would require the city to provide customer training to Homeless Services staff and contractors; and another would require the city to publicly report the number of individuals and families transferred to shelters within 72 hours.

Castillo’s situation has not been without snafus — in March, she had to leave the shelter and move to one in Brownsville because of a gas leak. However, the Times reported, city officials have told her that final repairs are being completed at the Bushwick location, and on Thursday they notified her that she can return soon.

 

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