Why has the area code 13202 become such a focal point of AIDS in Syracuse? At first glance, without knowing the actual statistics, one might guess 13202 to have a low AIDS rate, as it is the home of Crouse and University Hospital. Nevertheless, if one was to walk across the street underneath Route 81, they would find themselves in the housing projects known as Pioneer Homes. These row houses and three story walk ups were built in 1941, and due to their brick masonry, have withstood the elements over the past six and a half decades. The community is gated at all but one entrance, primarily due to the numerous drive-by shootings and crime rate in the area (Pioneer). A little over a month ago, Yashmik Stackhouse was gunned down on her way from Pioneer Homes to a local store. Her Aunt, Yvette Reese, was also shot at. This area is turning into a warzone, and Syracuse Common Councilor Bill Simmons, who is in charge of the Syracuse Housing Authority, stated how cuts in youth programs and jobs in the city aren’t helping. He also mentioned how fewer than half the city’s high school students graduate, and end up right back on the streets where all the violence is (Two Syracuse’s). Besides the violence, the area is home to numerous drug dealers and addicts. In September, the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development shut down eight apartment buildings in the south side, ranging between James Street and Stolp Avenue. Why would the government shut down these complexes and displace over 250 residents? No smoke detectors, blocked emergency exits, cracked walls and windows, damaged foundations, broken elevators, a stench of urine and feces, and the drug dealers who hung around all day were just a few reasons for the foreclosure of the buildings (Nolan HUD). It’s no wonder why the area has such a high AIDS rate. The 13202 area code has the lowest income level in all of Onondaga County, and coupled with the poor and unsanitary living conditions, crime, and drugs, the area is a breeding ground for AIDS.
Pioneer Homes
Picture Taken From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pioneer_Homes