Ready, Willing & Able | The Doe Fund

The nonprofit group, which runs residential work and training programs for homeless men and women, has completed the purchase of a vacant, 72,000-square-foot textile factory at 89 Porter Ave.

"We own it and we have the construction permit," McDonald said yesterday.

The Doe Fund raised $23 million to buy and renovate the property, which will house men for up to 21 days before referring them to other facilities.

The Doe Fund will also operate its Ready, Willing & Able work program, which provides jobs, training and social services. That program is expected to be in operation by the end of next year.

More than a year ago, The Doe Fund signed a $180 million, 22-year contract with the city to operate the shelter, replacing nearly half the 850 beds at the Bellevue Assessment Shelter in Manhattan.

From the beginning, the plan drew sharp criticism, which led to legal action. Community and business leaders, along with elected officials, said the city should have submitted the plan for public review.

Location questioned

Opponents said the site should have been more carefully tested for environmental hazards. They objected to having a shelter in the middle of an industrial park with more than 500 small and medium-size businesses.

"The site for the shelter is across the street from Waste Management, one of the largest garbage transfer stations in the city," said Jose Leon of the East Williamsburg Valley Industrial Development Corp.

"There are no ancillary services such as grocery stores, pharmacies or other regular types of businesses needed to help someone make the transition from homelessness to a productive life," he said. "It is not an ideal place to bring people."

Assemblyman Vito Lopez (D-Williamsburg) said the area already has a 200-bed shelter for men in nearby Greenpoint, along with a 200-bed facility for women in Bushwick.

"The additional shelter gives a negative impact by oversaturating the area and leaving less room for economic development," he said.

Lopez added that his is one of the poorest districts in New York State, with 35% of the people receiving public assistance.

"We need jobs and revenue for the community," he said, adding that he favors permanent housing for the area instead of temporary.

Although opponents lost a court battle against the city in November, they are appealing the case. Briefs will be filed by July, lawyers said yesterday.