NEW YORK CITY - In a city grappling with a housing crisis, strained law enforcement, and overwhelmed drug services, a 94-year-old Army veteran, Frank Tammaro, has become another victim of the ongoing challenges faced by New York City's residents. Tammaro, a lifelong New Yorker and resident of Island Shores Senior Residence, was forced to find a new place to live when the facility shut down unexpectedly. Months later, he discovered that migrants were moving into his old residence free of charge, leaving him feeling frustrated and overlooked.

Tammaro, who served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during the Korean War, had hoped to spend his golden years at Island Shores Senior Residence. However, notices were posted in September 2022, informing the residents that they needed to vacate the premises by March. Many of the 53 seniors, including Tammaro, ignored the letters until they were notified of the limited timeframe they had to find alternative housing – a situation that was especially concerning for Tammaro, given his mobility challenges.

The owner of Island Shores, nonprofit organization Homes for the Homeless, cited their intention to sell the facility and focus on serving homeless families as the reason for the closure. Despite assurances from the staff that the senior residence would likely be sold and reopened, Tammaro's daughter, Barbara Annunziata, remained skeptical and sought answers from the management.

As an Army veteran, Tammaro expressed his disappointment, stating that while he had never received any assistance from the city or state, he observed migrants receiving aid while he struggled to find suitable housing. He highlighted the disrupted lives of veterans who had served in combat and now found themselves displaced.

After his eviction from Island Shores, Tammaro faced difficulties finding a new assisted living facility that met his needs. His daughter expressed concern over the lack of support for her father, as his insurance rejected a long-term request for care and obtaining an aide proved challenging.

In August, it was revealed that Homes for the Homeless had reached an arrangement with city hall to accommodate migrants in the now-closed Island Shores. This move came amid an influx of asylum seekers arriving in New York City, straining the city's budget and services. Mayor Eric Adams acknowledged the desperate environment, with no end in sight as thousands of refugees continued to arrive each month.

The decision to house migrants in Island Shores sparked outrage among the local community, leading to protests and arrests as residents voiced their frustrations. Annunziata expressed her anger at the situation, emphasizing the disparity between the support provided to migrants compared to the lack of assistance available for her father.

Despite the hardship and bitterness he initially felt, Tammaro has adapted to his new living arrangements with his daughter, who now cares for him in Midland Beach, New York. However, Annunziata's anger remains, as she believes migrants are being prioritized over U.S. citizens.

Homes for the Homeless declined to comment on the situation.

This article is the first part of the Crisis in New York series, which examines the impact of public policies on housing, law enforcement, and drug services in New York City.