Council Member Robert Holden is urging the city to permanently close the Cooper Avenue Rapid Rehousing Center in Glendale, operated by Westhab Inc., citing its controversial track record and significant community opposition.
The shelter, located at 78-16 Cooper Ave., has operated as a transitional housing facility for homeless men since 2019, but has faced widespread criticism for its alleged negative impact on the surrounding neighborhood.
Designed to provide temporary housing and services to help residents transition to permanent housing, the shelter has been a source of tension in Glendale, with local residents and businesses raising concerns about safety, public disturbances, and quality-of-life issues.
Holden wrote a damning letter to the Department of Social Services (DSS) and Mayor Eric Adams, highlighting the shelter’s devastating impact on the community and outlining numerous reasons why the shelter must be shut down.
In the letter, he detailed the shelter’s ‘record of failure’ over the past five years, including over 2,200 emergency 911 calls, nearly 700 additional complaints, and 278 arrests. Nearby schools, such as PS 87 and PS/IS 119, have faced safety concerns, requiring additional police patrols during school hours.
Local businesses along Metropolitan Avenue, Myrtle Avenue, Cooper Avenue, and The Shops at Atlas Park have reported loitering, panhandling, and public intoxication tied to shelter residents, which have disrupted operations and driven away customers.
In 2023, a local business owner spoke with QNS and wished not to be identified. They said although they’ve been fortunate enough not to have any problems with the shelter occupants, locals continue to complain about overall safety and trespassing on private property.
Residents who spoke with QNS at the time emphasized more concerns over shelter residents seen walking into their backyards, asking for money, and loitering in front of storefronts.
Inside the shelter, conditions seem to remain dire. Reports of rampant drug use, harassment, and negligence are frequent. LGBTQ+ residents have endured documented incidents of homophobia and abuse, while the second-floor bathroom has become notorious as a drug den. Despite these ongoing issues, Holden insists Westhab has failed to address the crisis and has allowed conditions to worsen.
“In one well-documented lawsuit, former resident Isaiah Morris endured homophobic slurs, threats of violence, and sexual harassment from both residents and staff,” Holden wrote in the letter. “Morris’ pleas for intervention went unanswered, reflecting a broader pattern of indifference and misconduct. Shelter staff were not only complicit but often participated in the harassment, further endangering LGBTQ+ individuals.”
In September 2022, a 27-year-old man experiencing homelessness became a whistleblower, sharing photos, videos, and his personal ordeal exclusively with CBS2’s Dave Carlin.
“I never saw myself in a position like this, ever a day in my life, no,” said the man, who wished to remain anonymous. “I do identify as queer. I was assaulted multiple times. The police came out, they said it wasn’t really their issue. It’s something that has to be dealt with internally.”
At the time, he said he could confirm what many neighbors claim about crime spilling out of the shelter and into the community.
“This shelter has failed everyone—its residents, the community, and our local businesses,” stated Holden. “Renewing the contract would be a catastrophic mistake. We’re not asking for a new provider. We’re demanding the city shut it down permanently.”
Holden also raised ethical concerns about Department of Homeless Services (DHS) Administrator Joslyn Carter and her sister, Valerie Smith, a Vice President at Westhab. The relationship between Carter and Smith and Westhab’s $1.7 billion in city contracts has raised questions about conflicts of interest and transparency in city contracting.
“While DHS claims Carter recuses herself, the mere existence of this relationship erodes public trust and warrants an independent investigation,” he wrote.
Holden has urged residents of Glendale and its surrounding neighborhoods to take action and send letters opposing the renewal and calling for the shelter’s closure to Lorna Hinds, DHS, at 150 Greenwich St., New York, NY 10038.
“We cannot allow this disaster to continue for another three years,” Holden added. “This is a chance for our residents to make their voices heard and demand real action to protect our community.”
