Residents of over 50 NYCHA senior complexes are breathing a sigh of relief after learning the New York City Housing Authority would be fully restoring its security guard program.

"We need boots on the ground, we need to have security here," said Diane Johnson, the Woodson Senior Houses Tenant Association president.

The Security Guard Program, which ensures security guards are posted at the entrance to NYCHA's senior buildings. It was in danger of being cut due to a $35 million operating deficit for 2024.

“For whatever reason, our seniors seem to be the sacrificial lambs of administrations,” said City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.

Between 2015 and 2021,three women were murdered at Woodson Houses. Handyman Kevin Gavin has been charged with second-degree murder for those deaths. His next court appearance is set for January 2025.