New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been focusing on clearing out homeless encampments since the beginning of 2022. However, his administration has not met the deadline to disclose the number of sweeps conducted and the associated costs. This report was due on May 28th and is now almost four months late. The report is a requirement under legislation passed by the City Council in December, which aims to provide quarterly updates on the locations of removed encampments, participating agencies, number of arrests or involuntary hospitalizations, and estimated costs.
City Hall spokesperson Liz Garcia mentioned that the administration is actively working on compiling this data, but there is no specific timeline for its release. Councilmember Sandy Nurse expressed concern over the administration’s lack of engagement with the legislative process and the delay in providing the required reports. Nurse emphasized that clearing encampments without offering proper shelter or housing alternatives is both cruel and counterproductive.
The crackdown on homeless encampments has led to multiple arrests and encounters, such as the situation near Tompkins Square Park in the East Village. Despite the increased enforcement efforts, the policy has been criticized for not providing adequate housing options for homeless New Yorkers. The goal of the reporting requirement is to evaluate whether moving homeless individuals off the streets is actually leading to shelter or permanent housing solutions.
The most recent street homelessness survey in New York City counted 4,140 individuals staying in public spaces in January. This number may be increasing due to policies that force migrants out of shelters after a certain period. Encampment sweeps have become a campaign issue for the upcoming Democratic primary race for mayor. Comptroller Brad Lander, a mayoral candidate, has criticized the administration’s approach to serving New Yorkers with severe mental illness living in public spaces.
Lander recommended ending the sweeps targeting homeless individuals and focusing on providing more safe-haven beds and supportive housing. The city introduced a program in 2023 to expedite moves into permanent housing for individuals on the streets and subways. Additionally, more people are transitioning into shelters intended for those coming off the streets, as reported in the latest mayor’s management report.
While New York City is facing a historic increase in homelessness, the Department of Social Services is assisting more individuals in moving into permanent housing. Approximately 18,100 single adults and families with children transitioned out of city shelters and into housing during the last fiscal year. This number has seen an increase from the previous year, indicating progress in addressing homelessness in the city.