TESTIMONY
Brady Crain, CEO of Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services, on the Challenging Future of Mainchain Drop-in Center
3:45:48
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3 min
Brady Crain, CEO of Grand Central Neighborhood Social Services, addresses the council regarding the uncertain future of the Mainchain drop-in center due to non-renewal of their contract.
- Crain shares the historical impact of Mainchain, citing over 35 years of service and aiding over 6000 individuals towards permanent housing.
- He expresses confusion and concerns over the Department of Homeless Services' decision not to renew Mainchain's contract beyond June 2024.
- Advocates for the continuation of Mainchain's services, citing their indispensable role in tackling homelessness.
- Discusses potential service enhancements, including the addition of respite beds and collaborating with other providers to adopt successful models.
- Council Member Gale A. Brewer voices strong support for Mainchain and the necessity of reinstating their funding.
Brady Crain
3:45:48
Hello?
3:45:49
Good afternoon.
3:45:51
My name is Boyd Crane, the Confused CEO of Grand Century Labor Social Services.
3:45:57
Which operates the main change drop in sector.
3:46:01
About 3 months ago, I enjoyed a meeting with DHS leadership.
3:46:05
Discussing the positive attributes of the drop in center and how necessary they are.
3:46:12
About 2 months ago, I was told about DHS That main change contract would not be renewed after 620 after 62024.
3:46:24
This is the source of my confusion.
3:46:27
After 35 years of providing a dynamic community emphasis, a client center approach working with over 6000 individuals towards permanent and transitioning housing serving over 750,000 males and over 600 individuals receiving services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 35 years, I think we have something to say regarding homelessness.
3:46:58
Main chance is now being told to close these doors.
3:47:02
The need for these services will not end on 6-30-2024.
3:47:08
The experience and expertise of Mainchain's wealth.
3:47:13
Mainchain is requested to maintain its current contract and to continue to offer homeless services under any name.
3:47:21
I would like to thank the council for giving me this opportunity.
Gale A. Brewer
3:47:31
Thank you.
3:47:32
As you know, I'm very supportive of main chance.
3:47:35
My question to you, Brady Crane, is if you were to continue Would you change some of your services?
3:47:45
Are there things that you think the city could help you do?
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What do you think would be the best for your clients?
Brady Crain
3:47:50
Yes.
3:47:51
We would like to go towards having beds.
3:47:53
And we've done that working with respite bed providers before the virus.
3:47:59
We're working over 50 providers and have a handful of 100 banks.
3:48:04
Currently, we're about learning from the city we're working with an agency with the agency, Jackie.
3:48:11
Brotherhood.
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Brotherhood.
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And they have developed their own funded brotherhood Temple and they have developed, they own funded, and they serviced eight people out of the drop in center.
3:48:23
We'll work with other providers to follow that same model if they have to fund their own situations.
3:48:30
So we're right there.
3:48:31
And also, we're looking at safe haven contracts.
3:48:35
I'm waiting for our second feasibility study, and we look forward to being a hybrid center.
3:48:43
Whether it's main chance of dropping symptom, and I'll say favor.
3:48:47
We look forward to the opportunity.
Gale A. Brewer
3:48:49
Thank you, ma'am.
3:48:49
Sure.
3:48:50
This is a location that is perfect in the Middle of Manhattan, a lot of people are there.
3:48:56
Mister Crane has art program and has galleries and food and I feel very strongly that the 3,500,000 that has been cut would be restored either as a current or safe haven or whatever is appropriate.
3:49:09
Thank you for giving me the chance.
Brady Crain
3:49:11
Thank you.
3:49:11
Can I just say one thing?
Gale A. Brewer
3:49:12
That's up to the chair, Brady, up to the chair.
Towaki Komatsu
3:49:15
Excuse me?
Diana I. Ayala
3:49:16
Go ahead.
Brady Crain
3:49:17
Oh, I'm sorry.
3:49:18
We're having a pantry.
3:49:20
Feeding over 75 families this Wednesday.
3:49:24
I need volunteers.
3:49:25
So if you're available, please come.
