HOUSING WORKS ORGANIZATION DENOUNCES “MISGUIDED EFFORT” TO POLICE HOMELESS ON NYC SUBWAYS

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[COVID-19\Homelessness\Subways]
‘As the operator of a COVID-19 isolation shelter for homeless people recovering from this awful disease, Housing Works has seen first-hand the impact of the epidemic on persons at unconscionable risk in congregate shelters or trying to survive on the streets.”
Photo: YouTube

COVID-19 is exposing inequalities and injustices in America including those suffering from homelessness.

Housing Works, an advocacy organization for the homeless and people suffering HIV/AIDS, is criticizing NY Governor Cuomo and NYC Mayor de Blasio for the treatment of homeless people who have been sleeping on the subways during COVID-19.

The following is a press statement from Ginny Shubert, Co-Founder and Senior Advisor on Policy and Research, Housing Works: 

“Housing Works strongly objects to the misguided effort by Mayor de Blasio, Governor Cuomo, and the MTA to police rather than protect New Yorkers forced to sleep in the subway system. We agree with Governor Cuomo’s statement today that we are not doing people experiencing homelessness a favor by allowing them to sleep in the subway system. But we must all recognize that these homeless New Yorkers are making a rational decision not to enter crowded shelters or ‘safe havens’ that are far from safe due to shared sleeping areas and facilities.

“We urgently call upon the Governor and the Mayor to support the NYC Council initiative to offer each single adult New Yorker experiencing homelessness a private hotel room where they can safely shelter—just like the rest of us. The Council must pass the bill, the Mayor quickly sign it, and the State help shoulder any costs beyond what FEMA has already committed to reimburse.

“As the operator of a COVID-19 isolation shelter for homeless people recovering from this awful disease, Housing Works has seen first-hand the impact of the epidemic on persons at unconscionable risk in congregate shelters or trying to survive on the streets. We must begin to help and protect our fellow New Yorkers who lack safe housing, rather than policing and dehumanizing them as a ‘problem’ to be pushed out of sight.” 

About Housing Works 

Housing Works is a healing community of people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS. Our mission is to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS through relentless advocacy, the provision of lifesaving services, and entrepreneurial businesses that sustain our efforts.

www.housingworks.org

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