"Homelessness in New York won't be solved by denial or tough love. We've tried those approaches, and they've all failed. The Mamdani administration has a choice: repeat the failures of the past or lead with compassion, collaboration and evidence."
"Last month, New Yorkers chose their next mayor. When Zohran Mamdani takes office, he will inherit a crisis that sees 125,000 people sleeping in shelters each night, enough to fill Madison Square Garden five times over. Despite portrayals in the run-up to Election Day, New York's homeless community is not a mob of violent criminals."
"While some people do struggle with mental health issues and addiction, this is a public health crisis made worse by a housing crisis, not a public safety matter. More importantly, these unfortunate caricatures belie a larger, more uncomfortable truth: Shelter beds are overwhelmingly utilized by families, students and the working poor, who access temporary services because of sudden job loss, healthcare emergency, fire or another unanticipated crisis."
Zohran Mamdani will inherit a crisis with 125,000 people sleeping in shelters each night, enough to fill Madison Square Garden five times. New York's unsheltered population comprises less than 5 percent of the total homeless population across the five boroughs. Homelessness is driven by a housing crisis and public health challenges, not primarily public safety; some people also struggle with mental illness and addiction. Shelter beds are predominantly used by families, students, and the working poor facing sudden crises. Federal funding overhauls and work requirements will restrict access to social services. Immediate, compassionate policies must improve shelters, fully fund programs, and protect services for vulnerable populations.
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