Courtesy office of Jessica González-Rojas

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $1 million in funding for four local nonprofits to address crime, human trafficking, and workforce challenges on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens.

By MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

In a coordinated effort to address growing concerns over illegal activities, human trafficking, and crime on Roosevelt Avenue in Queens, Governor Kathy Hochul, local lawmakers, and community organizations have joined forces to support vulnerable residents with new funding. At an event held at Queens Borough Hall, Governor Hochul announced the allocation of $1 million in discretionary funding to four local nonprofits.

Spanning from approximately 104th Street through Corona, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and extending to 72nd Street, Roosevelt Avenue has allegedly become increasingly dominated by organized crime syndicates, drug traffickers, human traffickers, pimps, and unlicensed street vendors. The area has also seen a surge in illegal marijuana shops and shoplifting rings, contributing to a pervasive sense of insecurity among residents and small business owners.

This financial support is aimed at tackling some of the most pressing issues in the Roosevelt Avenue corridor, including human trafficking, workforce development, and access to vital services for immigrant communities. The funding will be divided among AIDS Center For Queens County (ACQC), Korean American Family Services Center (KAFSC), Commonpoint Queens, and New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE), with each receiving $250,000.

Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, who serves as Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Trafficking, expressed strong support for the funding and the ongoing efforts to tackle the complex issues on Roosevelt Avenue.

“Today’s announcement is just one of many steps my colleagues and I are taking to address the challenges on Roosevelt Avenue,” González-Rojas said. “The funding provided to these organizations will strengthen efforts to support victims of violence and trafficking through social services, offer workforce development programs to help constituents find employment, and provide necessary health resources to vulnerable populations. These local investments in community organizations are essential. I look forward to continuing our collaboration with Governor Hochul and my fellow elected officials.”

Roosevelt Avenue, a bustling thoroughfare in the heart of Queens, has faced a variety of challenges in recent years. The area, home to a large immigrant population, has been disproportionately impacted by criminal activity, including a troubling increase in human trafficking. While the sources of crime are complex and multifaceted, immigrant communities have often been unfairly blamed, exacerbating tensions and increasing feelings of vulnerability among residents.

To address these concerns, González-Rojas has been actively working with community groups to find solutions. She recently held a roundtable with human trafficking experts and local nonprofits, where strategies for providing better support to residents were discussed.

Courtesy office of Jessica González-Rojas

The funding aims to support immigrant communities with social services, job training, and trafficking prevention while promoting safer neighborhoods.

“The city has very historically, disinvested in Roosevelt Avenue, and we’re seeing everything from, you know, lack of access to resources to a proliferation of street vending to sex work in the community and potentially human trafficking, and we know this has caused a lot of quality of life concerns for our neighbors,” González-Rojas said. 

Local organizations like NICE, Commonpoint Queens, and KAFSC provide critical services to immigrants, offering everything from job training and healthcare navigation to resources that help people escape from dangerous situations, including human trafficking. According to González-Rojas, these organizations are often the first line of defense for people who need help.

In addition to the funding, there has been ongoing debate about the approach to addressing the issues on Roosevelt Avenue. Earlier this year, New York City Mayor Eric Adams authorized the deployment of state troopers to the area to combat crime.

“When people have their basic needs, then you see a much safer society,” González-Rojas said. “And, you know, sending troopers down doesn’t actually address that problem. It just hides it for a period of time, and we still will have a problem we’re meeting.”

González-Rojas and other local leaders have raised concerns about the effectiveness of a heavy-handed law enforcement approach.

Assembly Members Catalina Cruz and Steven Raga, as well as Assembly Member-elect Larinda Hooks and Council Member Shekar Krishnan, have also been vocal in their support for the funding, which they believe will help mitigate the negative effects of disinvestment and criminalization in the area.

“We have to look at upstream solutions to issues,” González-Rojas said.” We have to ask, what are people feeling or, why are people on the street doing street vending? Why are people doing engaging in sex work? What’s the core issue that’s central to these, these situations?”

As the funding begins to flow into local organizations, advocates are hopeful that the increased support will lead to tangible improvements for the people who call Roosevelt Avenue home.

“I’m very excited to  be looking at the solutions that are going to get into more of the proof of the issue, and work with the groups that are the closest to the community and are working on the ground to really support the community and giving them a leg up to make our neighborhood safer and more opportunities for them,” González-Rojas said. 

 

Community members, city leaders, and elected officials, including council members and senators, came together over the past two weeks to host turkey distribution events across the city, ensuring families in need could celebrate Thanksgiving. From neighborhood gatherings to large-scale giveaways, the initiatives aimed to combat food insecurity and bring holiday cheer to underserved communities.

Councilmember Sandra Ung continued her annual Thanksgiving tradition of giving back to the community by hosting her largest Turkey Giveaway to date. This year, 526 turkeys were distributed to local community groups, nonprofits, food pantries, NYCHA residents, and constituents, ensuring families across the district can enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal.

Office of Councilmember Sandra Ung

“The generosity of our sponsors makes it possible for us to help families facing difficult economic times,” said Councilmember Sandra Ung. “These free turkeys are a small gesture, but they bring a little peace of mind and one less thing to worry about during the holiday season. I am so grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s giveaway our biggest yet.”

Councilmember Ung has hosted a Turkey Giveaway every year since taking office, and each year, the event has grown in scale. 

Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris partnered with the Carpenters Contractor Alliance of Metropolitan New York, Woodside Houses Tenant Association, and Sunnyside Community Services to supply turkeys to families in Western Queens.  The event included a turkey distribution, hot meals, PPE, and information on the New York State Home Energy Assistance Program.

Courtesy Office of Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris

“I am proud to work with community organizations and partners to ensure every family can enjoy a proper Thanksgiving meal,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “I will continue working to serve those in need during the holidays and all year round.” 

Courtesy Office of Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, in partnership with UA3, hosted his annual Thanksgiving food distribution event outside of Brooklyn Borough Hall. Staff distributed over 60,000 pounds of fresh produce, non-perishables, and other food items to more than 120 Brooklyn houses of worship, community kitchens, and other community-based organizations addressing food insecurity and homelessness.  

Courtesy Office of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso

“Thanksgiving is a time to come together to practice gratitude, eat fresh food, and spend time with loved ones. Unfortunately, for too many Brooklynites, it’s a reminder of the challenges they face to put food on the table,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “While the fight against food insecurity is every day and ongoing, I am so thankful to our partners and staff who’ve worked so hard to ensure more Brooklynites can enjoy a hearty Thanksgiving meal with turkey, rice, potatoes, carrots, apples, beans, and more. I wish all of Brooklyn a very joyous Thanksgiving!”  

Courtesy Office of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso

Courtesy Office of Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso

Senator Jessica Ramos (D, SD-13) hosted her annual Turkey Giveaway on November 20th at P.S. 19 in Corona, where, along with IUJAT and the Carpenters, the office gave out over 400 turkeys, including halal and kosher options. This event featured free books, live music by the High School for Arts and Business Jazz Band, and hot food served by The World Changers. Collaborating with the VFW Post 150, the Senator hosted a second Turkey Giveaway on November 27th, where they served another 200 families with frozen turkeys. 

Courtesy Office of Senator Jessica Ramos

During the week before Thanksgiving, the office of Senator Ramos distributed another 400 turkeys to schools, churches, and non-profits in Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, East-Elmhurst, and Corona.

Courtesy Office of Senator Jessica Ramos

“This time of year is significant for our neighbors and their families but remains an unfortunate reminder of the high cost of living that impacts our communities,” said State Senator Jessica. “I am grateful to have helped alleviate some of the burden of expensive Thanksgiving dinners for many families in the district. We are particularly grateful for our partners and sponsors who gave their time or resources to ensure families had a home-cooked meal this holiday.”

 

Courtesy Office of Senator Jessica Ramos

The Astoria Welfare Society also distributed halal chicken & vegetables on Sunday Nov 26 Tuesday to more than 150 families and other community members in need at 30th Street and 36th Avenue in Astoria.

Courtesy the Astoria Welfare Society