Residents in Parkchester say they feel unsafe walking near a shelter for single men on Westchester Avenue. They say shelter residents are harassing and catcalling women and committing crimes.

Community concerns grew after police arrested a 21-year-old man from the shelter for an alleged rape last month, heightening calls for increased security.

News 12 also spoke with a shelter resident who says it saved his life.

“This is one place that I found that actually helped me. Otherwise, I would have just been working hard and being on the sidewalk,” says Kendis Hendy, a shelter resident.

He says the shelter staff have helped him with a resume, which has landed him some handiwork jobs throughout the community.

The women who are raising concerns are calling for increased security throughout the area so they can feel safe in their neighborhood again.