Queens Nonprofit Faces Condom Distribution Criticism
Residents and local officials are questioning why taxpayer funds support prophylactic distribution outside brothels in Jackson Heights.
By Christopher Singh ·
The AIDS Center of Queens County is facing scrutiny after workers were observed distributing condoms outside a known prostitution corridor in Jackson Heights.
Locals on 41st Avenue spotted a Center van parked near residential blocks on Roosevelt Avenue. Workers handed out prophylactics to individuals entering and exiting establishments along the corridor. The organization holds over $40 million in active contracts, with at least $34 million from the city and $10 million from the state. These funds support housing, HIV prevention, and syringe exchange programs.
In December 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul awarded the Center $250,000 in discretionary funding for human trafficking survivors. She previously deployed state troopers to the area in October 2024 to assist the NYPD. In September 2025, she granted another $500,000 over five years for a youth behavioral health program at 62-07 Woodside Avenue.
Rosa Sanchez, a leader of the Restore Roosevelt Avenue Coalition, criticized the use of public money. She stated that residents complain daily about crime and brothels. "Instead of more enforcement, public money is being used to supply free condoms to the same people turning tricks on our residential blocks," Sanchez said. The coalition held a protest at the same location on October 10.
Former state Sen. Hiram Monserrate demanded an investigation into the funding approvals. "You just can’t make this up. We need Troopers not condoms from the State," he said. Ellen, a resident across from the site, expressed surprise at the tax-funded nature of the distribution. "I didn’t know tax dollars were buying condoms and saying, 'yeah! do that right here!'", she said.
Mark Xi, a 53-year-old resident, argued that the distribution signals a message of legalization. "So now it’s legal. It’s like the weed," Xi said. He noted that the lack of arrests leads people to believe activities are approved by authorities.
Rosemary Lopez, the Center's executive director, defended the operation as a mobile testing unit. She said the area has a high risk of new STD diagnoses according to the Department of Health. Sam Raskin, a spokesperson for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, called the distribution a commonsense public health measure. Prostitution-related arrests along the strip have fallen by 60% since Mamdani took office this year.
The governor's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The coalition is holding rallies to shut down brothels. The nonprofit continues to operate its mobile unit in the 11372 zip code.
