Community Survey Highlights Top Concerns Ahead of 2025 NYC General Election
Healthcare, Neighborhood Safety, and Access to Government Programs Emerge as Leading Priorities in Homecrest Community Services Survey
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK— With the 2025 General Election just days away, Homecrest Community Services has released the results of a community priorities survey that highlights the key issues on voters’ minds in Southern Brooklyn.
The survey was conducted across all four of Homecrest’s Brooklyn centers and gathered over 300 anonymous responses from local residents, many of whom are immigrants, low-income individuals, or limited-English speakers. One key question asked participants to identify the top three issues they want the next mayor to address. More than half of respondents selected access to healthcare, followed by neighborhood safety and access to government programs. These trends reveal a community's active pursuit of solutions through robust leadership and policy.
When asked about specific challenges facing their households, language or translation needs emerged as one of the most frequently cited barriers, with over 40% of respondents identifying it as a top concern—second only to neighborhood safety. The prominence of language access as a concern suggests a pressing need for more inclusive public systems designed to serve linguistically diverse populations effectively.
All responses reflect urgent challenges that directly impact the stability and dignity of entire communities. Many shared deep concerns about the rising cost of living, difficulty accessing healthcare, ongoing safety issues in their neighborhoods, and persistent barriers due to language. Together, the findings point to deeper systemic issues in accessibility and inclusion that require long-term investment and responsive leadership.
“Our community knows exactly what matters most: affordable healthcare, safer neighborhoods, and programs that truly reach those in need,” said Wai Yee Chan, President & CEO of Homecrest Community Services. “These are not just policy ideas; they are everyday needs that determine whether families can live with dignity and hope in our city.”
“What we see in these results are the same concerns our case managers hear from community members every day,” said Alice Mo, Policy and Advocacy Manager at Homecrest Community Services. “For example, healthcare ranked as the top priority respondents are considering this election cycle—even though most also report they are currently not struggling with it. That tells us people are thinking ahead: they want to protect access to care and stability in their lives. Our hope is that leaders take these findings seriously and continue real conversations with the community to create policies that reflect people’s everyday realities.”
From the Bensonhurst Center, a member shared worries about healthcare funding: “I am concerned about the healthcare cuts because they will affect many seniors who rely on medical services.”
At the Multi-Social Services Center, a local resident noted the urgent need for affordable housing: “Food and housing are basic human needs, yet housing is one of the most unaffordable aspects of life. Therefore, we hope that more affordable housing can be made available.”
At Homecrest’s Sunset Park Center, a respondent expressed concern, saying, “I often read in the news about assaults on the subway. It makes me fearful for my safety when I’m on the train.”
Early voting begins Saturday, October 25. In the days leading up to the election, Homecrest Community Services is providing voters with the resources they need to participate confidently and fully.
For More Information Contact
Hao Dian Li
929-866-3331