As a resident of Syracuse, NY, I have witnessed the devastating impact of homelessness on our community. In the Syracuse City School District alone, over 1,400 kids were homeless at the start of this year. That number has since increased to 1,800. This is not just a statistic; these are our neighbors and friends who have no place to call home.

Our solution? We propose that Onondaga County purchases Shoppingtown mall with the intent to convert it into affordable housing and healthcare units. This would not only provide much-needed shelter for those in need but also create an accessible healthcare facility for all residents.

Shoppingtown mall has been struggling for years with many stores closing down due to lack of business. By repurposing this space into something beneficial for our community, we can breathe new life into an otherwise failing property while addressing two critical issues: housing and health care.

This initiative will require effort from all sides - county officials must be willing to invest in this project; local businesses should support it as it will bring more people into the area; and residents like us must push for change by signing this petition.

Let's work together as a community dedicated to improving lives and making Syracuse a better place for everyone. Please sign this petition urging Onondaga County officials to buy out Shoppingtown mall and convert it into affordable housing units and healthcare facilities.

If you have any ideas, please put them here:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19STMVsmvgIx9XSKe9f6fNDhPr12jvmQMbdv1_zAzd4E/edit