A Queens man is on a hunger strike as he protests the city's plan to create a homeless shelter for mentally ill men.

Sam Esposito has not eaten since August 6.

He's looking to stop construction on the building in his Ozone Park neighborhood.

The shelter would house 113 men suffering from mental illness. 

Esposito says the shelter could threaten children at nearby schools.

"I'm feeling alright. I lost 14 pounds. But I'm not leaving until someone starts listening to us," Esposito said.

The Department of Homeless Services says the building will have 24-hour security.

Esposito says he will take the city to court over the issue and has already raised more than 20-thousand dollars through a Go-Fund Me page to pay for an attorney.