Welcome to your new building, NewYork foundling. The New York Foundling, a foster facility on Staten Island, moved, into its newer and clearer building. Their old building was 100 years-old and considered a landmark, but falling apart, so it had to move. To the residents, another move is just the way of life.
They are used to going from home to home, place to place. Their new building was built inches away from their old one so that they can keep the same address.
The construction of their home started in December 2009
“It took so long to build because there were two different electric companies working on the wires and when they both met in parts of the building, it caused electrical problems,” said New York Foundling CEO, Pat Rossmey.
When it was completed, the kids packed their things and moved into Bailey Seton for what was supposed to be a two-week, temporary stay. This temporary stay lasted from two weeks to eight months.
“This is insane that the higher-ups tell us it will only be for two weeks and in the long run we stay in this run down hospital for eight months,” said Staff Worker, Rufus Hanes The Third.
In February 2010, they moved into their new building.
Yet, was it worth it? After living in the building for three weeks, nothing seems to be better than their old building. There is no T.V. installed yet, no computers, and two hundred and eighty-six windows, none of them open.
“I’ve never seen such a thing, who puts windows in a building, yet the person living there can’t open them. Its like a tease, staring at the outside world,” said resident Quran Beckwith.
But as for the new building itself, the only good thing about this building is that its cleaner.
If there is a fire blocking both the doors the people on that floor will be trapped. With windows, impossible to open, there are a few less fire exits. It’s ironic, considering that the organization that helped pay for the building are the fire houses on Staten Island.
The staff are trying to give the kids there the closest feeling to home they can receive. It doesn’t seem as if there are any positive changes in this new building.
“As long as I have somewhere to stay, clean clothes and three hot meals a day, I’m fine. I just hope I am able to leave here soon,” said Resident Jose Colon.
