On Thursday, October 3rd, Maria Danzilo, Executive Director of One City Rising (OCR), sat down for an interview to discuss her organization’s efforts to tackle some of New York City’s most urgent problems, such as homelessness, mental health, public safety, and housing. Founded a year ago, OCR is a grassroots, nonpartisan organization dedicated to finding practical, common-sense solutions to these critical issues. During the interview, Danzilo outlined the group’s goals and commitment to improving all New Yorkers’ quality of life.
Addressing Homelessness and Mental Health
Homelessness and mental health crises are at the forefront of OCR’s mission. Danzilo noted the alarming increase in unhoused individuals, particularly those struggling with mental illness and drug addiction, since the organization was founded. “One of the problems that’s really gotten worse in the year since we started our group is the number of unhoused people living in New York City,” Danzilo explained. She highlighted the fact that while temporary shelters have increased, permanent housing solutions remain lacking, leaving vulnerable individuals without long-term stability.
Danzilo shared her personal experience of being attacked by a mentally ill person, demonstrating the dangers posed by the current system. She argued that many of these temporary shelters, often located in residential areas, lack proper screening and adequate care facilities. “They are being placed in facilities that don’t have screening and curfews…These are a substitute for proper treatment facilities,” she stated. This situation has contributed to a growing sense of frustration among residents who feel that the city is not addressing the root causes of the homelessness crisis.
Through OCR’s investigations, including Freedom of Information requests, the group discovered that many of the buildings used to house these individuals are owned by large real estate interests, who are profiting significantly from city contracts. “We’re spending $4 billion a year, double the amount we were spending just a year ago, to house individuals in these temporary facilities,” Danzilo said, emphasizing the inefficiency of the system and the lack of proper support for those in need.
The Impact of Safe Injection Sites
Another major concern raised by Danzilo was the proliferation of safe injection sites, particularly in East Harlem, where public drug use has become an increasingly visible issue. She described witnessing people openly using drugs on the streets, often in the presence of children. “I’ve seen people taking hard drugs using needles on the street, with children walking by to go to school,” Danzilo said, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
While she stressed the importance of treating those suffering from addiction with compassion, Danzilo argued that the current approach is falling short of providing the necessary services to help people recover. She called for more comprehensive solutions, including proper treatment facilities, to address the crisis in a way that protects both individuals and the community at large.
Public Safety Concerns
Public safety remains a critical issue for One City Rising. Danzilo spoke about the increasing crime rates in neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, where residents have raised concerns about drug addiction, open-air drug use, and theft. “People are really frustrated and are turning to their elected leaders for solutions, and they’re not getting those solutions,” she noted. The pervasive sense of lawlessness in some neighborhoods has left many people feeling unsafe in their own communities.
Danzilo also discussed the aftermath of the defund-the-police movement, which has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of police officers on the streets. “They’ve de facto defunded the police by reducing the number of police officers and making the job so much harder,” she explained. Danzilo emphasized that while it is important to hold police officers accountable for their actions, they also need the tools and resources necessary to maintain public safety. Striking a balance between accountability and providing support for law enforcement is crucial to restoring trust and security in the city.
Election Reform and Voter Engagement
One City Rising is also focused on improving voter engagement and advocating for election reform. Danzilo highlighted the disconnect many New Yorkers feel from the political process, which has contributed to low voter turnout in local elections. “Turnout is a huge problem,” she said. OCR has responded by creating an interactive voter guide designed to help people make informed decisions in elections. The guide allows voters to input their address, answer a questionnaire, and receive information on which candidates align with their views. “We released a voter guide app… kind of like Tinder for voters, and it’s a really fun tool,” Danzilo explained, adding that the organization hopes to expand its reach in future election cycles.
Danzilo is also a strong advocate for open primaries, which would allow New York City’s 800,000 independent voters to participate in the primary elections. “New York City has become a one-party city, and the primary is where people win or lose,” she said, stressing the importance of making the primary process more inclusive and representative.
Building a Diverse Coalition
One City Rising takes pride in being a diverse and inclusive organization. Danzilo noted that the group’s advisory board includes members from all five boroughs, representing a wide range of perspectives and experiences. The organization regularly hosts gatherings, including “common sense cocktails,” where members come together to discuss important political and policy issues. “We love our advisory board and how diverse it is geographically, in terms of people’s identities, age, you name it,” Danzilo said, emphasizing the importance of bringing together individuals from different backgrounds to address the city’s most pressing challenges.
Looking Forward: Solutions for New York City
As One City Rising approaches its one-year anniversary, the organization remains committed to fostering community engagement, advocating for effective policies, and holding leaders accountable. Danzilo emphasized that OCR’s mission is to offer practical, common-sense solutions to New York City’s problems, from homelessness and mental health to public safety and election reform.
Through its initiatives, One City Rising is working to create a safer, more prosperous city for all of its residents. By addressing these critical issues and uniting New Yorkers around common goals, the organization is providing hope for the future of New York City.
In conclusion, Danzilo’s leadership at One City Rising reflects a strong commitment to making New York City a better place for all. As the organization continues to grow, it will undoubtedly play an important role in shaping the policies and conversations that will define the city’s future.
