The city that never sleeps is upping efforts to reach those without beds to call their own.
New York City, currently experiencing record-high rates of homelessness, has increased funds aimed at helping the unsheltered portion of its homeless population — those who don’t access the traditional shelter system and stay in public spaces instead.
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According to DHS, 52 clients were helped through the safe haven program when it was launched in 2006. Now, with the additional safe haven opening last month, there are 667 beds in facilities in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island.
“This is a very specific segment of the homeless population,” Lilliam Barrios-Paoli, the deputy mayor for health and human services, told The New York Times. “They’re in great need for services, and we need particular strategies to help them and get them out of the streets. Normally, they will not accept service unless it’s on their own terms.”
