Crisis at Rikers: A Call for Advocacy
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, few communities have been hit harder than our brothers and sisters behind the walls. Since the beginning of the outbreak, the Marshall Project estimates that well over a half-a-million folks in jail and prison contracted the novel coronavirus over the past year and a half. In our very own backyard, Rikers Island was no exception. As infections spread through the jails, correctional staff en masse called out sick and have since been slow to return to work. The result has been a breakdown of the security situation, leaving folks without access to basic necessities and services including food, sanitation, and medical treatment.
Concurrent with staffing shortages has been an eruption of violence at Rikers so pervasive that federal oversight monitors have urged the city to take immediate steps to remedy the situation. Activists and prisoner rights advocates have reported that their clients at Rikers are “not being protected” and go “days with no food, showers, access to lawyers or medical visits.” In the last year alone, ten people have died in custody, at least five by suicide. Families of those behind the walls, now more than ever, fear for the safety and livelihood of incarcerated loved ones.
Serving our brothers and sisters behind the walls at Rikers remains a crucial pillar of Thrive For Life’s ministry. These folks need our help. While our spiritual retreats remain on hold due to the security and public health situation, there are a number of ways you can help.
Organize or contribute to our supply collection. Many of these items, such as clothing and toiletries, are basic necessities we take for granted but that can make a world of difference to someone serving time. A list of items can be found below.
Make your voice heard. Contact the Mayor’s Office and urge him to use his powers to allow for the early release of as many eligible folks as possible. Many of these folks, including those with serious health complications, are at advanced risk of contracting COVID-19 on account of overcrowding and reduced access to medical care due to staffing shortages. New York residents can dial 311. Folks outside of NYC should dial 212-NEW-YORK. We also encourage you to contact Governor Hochul’s office to urge her to take more steps to expand eligibility for early release of folks awaiting trial at Rikers who do not pose an immediate threat to public safety. Dial 1-518-474-8390.
Thrive For Life is committed to keeping our community members up to date on ways to support our brothers and sisters at Rikers in hopes that they can be reunited with loved ones beyond the walls as soon as possible.
Please contact info@thriveforlife.org if you have any questions about these items.
