CB1 explained by Tribeca Chair Peter Braus

October 14, 2009

New York City Council takes advice from Community Boards on matters such as liquor licenses and construction permits. Community Board 1 oversees lower Manhattan and is divided into subcommittees by region, such as Battery Park, Tribeca, Financial District, etc. Tribeca committee Chairman Peter Braus explains how the system works.

For more information http://mbpo.org/free_details.asp?id=64

A tour of the NYC Rescue Mission for the homeless

October 14, 2009

With the closure of the John Hughes shelter, the nearest homeless shelter to Battery Park City is now in Tribeca. Joe Little of the New York City Rescue Mission gives a tour of the city’s oldest homeless shelter. With the bad economy and closure of other shelters nearby, demand for meals at the Mission have increased 20%.

To volunteer or donate money, contact (212) 226-6214 or go to http://www.nycrescue.org/

Vince Smith Hair Experience

Vince Smith discusses his longtime business in Battery Park City with his hair salon. He also discusses some philanthropic efforts he has organized.

For more information, call (212) 945-1590

And visit http://www.vincesmithmusic.com/

The Great Thanksgiving Banquet by NYC Rescue Mission

October 15

James VarnHagen of the New York City Rescue Mission discusses their annual Great Thanksgiving banquet they host in their Tribeca homeless shelter. Prominent figures such as Police Chief Kelly turn out to help serve the needy. With the bad economy and city budget cuts, they need your donations.

(212) 226-6214  http://www.nycrescue.org

Seasonal flu vaccination program

October 21

Councilmember Alan Gerson is sponsoring regional seasonal flue shots to be administered. These are NOT the swine flue, or H1N1, shots.

To learn more, view the video and also call Alan Gerson’s office at (212) 788-7722

The number of people living in poverty soar

October 20, 2009

A new report out indicates that the real number of people living in poverty is far great than the government estimates. Covering the story, ABC Nightly News featured a Los Angeles shelter becoming overwhelmed with homeless.

See our previous stories about the New York City Rescue Mission and the growing homeless problem in NYC.

The growing homeless problem in BPC

October 15th

For the first time this decade, multiple homeless individuals are making the parks in Battery Park City their preferred location during the day. In particular, Wagner Park in front of the Jewish Heritage Museum is a popular spot.

James VarnHagen of the New York City Rescue Mission explains the reasons for this growing homeless problem. A key homeless shelter near BPC, the John Hughes shelter, did not receive a city grant and had to shut down causing many of the people that used to rely on it to spill into the park system. In addition, the budgetary problems of the city and increased unemployment have caused a 20% increase in homeless as the city shelters become overburdened.

To learn more and how to help, you may view the video now.