At 94, Frank Tammaro, a World War II veteran, faced the unimaginable: eviction from his long-term residence at the Island Shores Senior Residence in New York City.
The closure of Island Shores and subsequent conversion into a migrant shelter encapsulates a complex, evolving issue in the heart of New York City.
Tammaro, who served in the Army Signal Corps during the Korean War, had called Island Shores home for five years. However, in September 2022, he and other residents received notices of the facility's impending closure, setting a March 2023 deadline for vacating the premises. This news was the beginning of a distressing period for many seniors, including Tammaro.
Island Shores, owned by Homes for the Homeless, was rumored to be sold and potentially reopened as a senior living facility. Despite these assurances, the residents, including Tammaro, faced the reality of relocating, a daunting task for anyone, let alone seniors with specific care needs.
Tammaro’s search for a new assisted living facility was marred by difficulties, eventually leading to a fall and hospitalization. His daughter, Annunziata, decided to move him into her home for full-time care.
In August 2023, it was revealed that Island Shores had been converted into a shelter for incoming migrants. This conversion was part of a city-wide initiative to accommodate the over 130,000 migrants who have arrived in New York City since October 2022.
The transformation of Island Shores into a migrant shelter was met with mixed reactions. While some residents understood the city's predicament in dealing with an unprecedented influx of migrants, others, including Tammaro's daughter, voiced their frustration over the perceived imbalance in the allocation of resources.
Reflecting on the upheaval he experienced, Tammaro said:
"I felt horrible. It's no joke getting thrown out of a house. I do get upset when I see them handing out all this money and all these things, and I'm paying taxes and getting kicked out."
His sentiment was echoed by many seniors who felt displaced and overlooked in the face of the city's growing housing challenges. The conversion of Island Shores to a migrant shelter in August 2023 and the subsequent moving in of 15 asylum-seeking families in September exemplify the city's effort to manage the ongoing migrant crisis. This move, however, sparked protests, leading to the arrest of 10 individuals.
Annunziata faced her battles while trying to secure care assistance for her father. The insurance challenges added to the family's distress, underscoring the broader issues many Americans face in accessing adequate healthcare and support services.
"I can’t even get him an aide. I could only get him an aide for 30 days, and then they canceled it. So what, he has to pay for it then?" Annunziata lamented, highlighting the gaps in the system that often leave seniors and their families struggling for support.
Meanwhile, the influx of migrants into the city continues, with Mayor Adams stating that approximately 10,000 new migrants are entering New York City each month. This ongoing situation presents a complex challenge for city officials and residents alike.
Tammaro, now comfortably residing in his daughter's home just a short distance from his previous senior residence, has adjusted to his new environment. His experience mirrors a larger pattern of change and adaptation common among many elderly people, driven by urban development and changes in policy.
Initially feeling bitter about the move, Tammaro has since found a sense of contentment in his current situation, showing acceptance after the initial upset and dislocation.
Reflecting on his forced relocation, he expressed how he had been content in his previous home until circumstances forced him out. However, he emphasizes the importance of making the best of difficult situations, showcasing the resilience and adaptability required in such challenging times.
As the city contends with an increasing number of migrants, the experiences of Frank Tammaro and other seniors from Island Shores bring to light significant questions regarding the balance of care and support for various community groups.
