YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester’s Women’s Residence
By: Dennis Richmond, Jr. — @NewYorkStakz
Women living at the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester’s Women’s Residence are speaking out about what they describe as deteriorating conditions inside the facility, and former employees are beginning to come forward with stories of their own.
Over the past several days, multiple residents who requested anonymity have contacted me, journalist Dennis Richmond, Jr., with allegations ranging from reduced housekeeping, pest control, laundry and mail services to concerns about security, maintenance and access to basic hygiene supplies.
One resident, in a text message sent to me, alleged that toiletries, soap and paper towels had been taken away from residents and described bathrooms becoming clogged and remaining unusable for days. She also alleged flooding and said that closing bathrooms, rather than immediately repairing them, had sometimes been the response.
One resident even alleged that bullying among residents has remained unresolved. I could hear pain in her voice as she tells me this. Bully is happening despite complaints to management. She said residents possess dates and other information documenting their concerns.
Her account has not been independently verified.
But regardless, residents are no longer the only folks speaking out.
One woman who publicly identified herself as a former employee told me that she worked at the residence for years and was willing to discuss what she experienced “on my day to day.” Another person identifying herself as a resigned YWCA employee publicly disputed the suggestion that the complaints were just allegations, saying that she had stories to share about both employees and the Women’s Residence.
Tiffany S.W. Hamilton, CEO of YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester, responded to the allegations in a detailed statement.
Hamilton said partially, resident “safety, dignity, and well-being remain central” to the organization and that on-site maintenance employees respond to reported concerns, while outside contractors are used when specialized expertise is required. She said smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are inspected quarterly during scheduled unit inspections.
Hamilton also addressed concerns about police and fire department visits, saying emergency personnel responding to the building should not automatically be viewed as evidence of unsafe conditions. Firefighters, she said, must respond whenever the building’s alarm system is activated, including alarms caused by routine cooking.
Regarding hygiene supplies, Hamilton said residents are generally responsible for personal household and hygiene products. Still, she acknowledged that the complaints have prompted the YWCA to review “current practices, particularly within shared areas,” to determine whether changes are necessary.
Hamilton said the organization takes reports of bullying, harassment and resident conflict seriously but cannot discuss individual cases because of privacy obligations.
The accounts remain allegations, and some may continue to seek documentation and additional details.
But what began as residents quietly describing conditions inside their home has widened. Former employees are now speaking and residents say they have records to support their claims.
For all the women who call the residence home, don’t worry. Things will change very soon.
Dennis Richmond, Jr. (@NewYorkStakz) is a journalist, historian, and educator from Yonkers, NY. He writes to uplift unheard voices, honor history, and inspire change.