Fix Homelessness How to rebuild human lives
Topic

New York City

RobReiner26690767322WikimediaCommons
Image by Montclair Film at Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rob_Reiner_(26690767322).jpg

Tragic Tales Demand Reform

Across America’s streets, the homeless epidemic is claiming lives, fracturing families, and eroding public safety. Often deeply intertwined with mental illness and addiction, it has become a humanitarian crisis that traps vulnerable individuals in cycles of dependence and despair while destabilizing the communities around them. This crisis has been worsened by policies that elevate the notion of “freedom” over timely, life-saving intervention. Recent events make the consequences of that choice unmistakably clear. Continuing on the current path is neither humane nor responsible. Consider what unfolded in New York City over the holidays. A woman with a documented history of serious mental illness and homelessness was released from psychiatric care, only to purchase a knife hours later, then repeatedly stab a Read More ›

Lighthouse-Learning-Collective

Harm Reduction Fliers Teach Addicts How to Take Drugs Rectally

“Boofing” This is a new one. NYC based Lighthouse Learning Collective just put out this Halloween themed step by step guide on “boofing.” Addicts are being taught how to take drugs up their ass. This is all part of the so called “harm reduction” lobby in America. Also Known As… Boofing is also known as “booty bumping.” Why? Good to know some addicts get a better high this way. How? So here is the technique. Risks Surprise, there are risks to “boofing.” Microtears in your rectum. Lovely. All at the Expense of the Taxpayer Taxpayer funded boofing kits can be acquired for free at many places that offer the so called “harm reduction” supplies. Lighthouse Learning Collective Here’s more on Read More ›

R211T Inaugural
Governor Kathy Hochul and MTA Chair & CEO Janno Lieber unveil and take an inaugural ride on the first R211T subway along the C line from the 207 St Yard on Thursday, Feb 1, 2024. (Marc A. Hermann / MTA)
Image by Metropolitan Transportation Authority from United States of America at Wikimedia Commons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:R211T_Inaugural_Event_(53503185140).jpg

New York Governor is Right to Invest in Mental Illness Treatment

On April 28, Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled a $254 billion state budget for fiscal year 2026, which focuses heavily on improving the safety of New York City’s subway system. As part of this effort, the budget includes provisions to enforce laws and beef up police presence. But Governor Hochul’s budget also addresses a related issue: tackling homelessness and treating severe mental illness. The budget includes $25 million for “welcome centers” that will connect homeless and mentally ill people on the subway with essential services. An additional $16.5 million will be set aside for Assisted Outpatient Treatment, $2 million will go to staffing in the Office of Mental Health, and $160 million will create 100 inpatient psychiatric beds. Additionally, Kendra’s Law Read More ›

in-1789-a-charming-five-year-old-chimney-sweep-toiled-through-tough-days-in-the-bustling-streets-embodying-the-spirit-of-a-spirited-eighteenth-century-street-urchin-stockpack-adobe-stock
In 1789 a charming five year old chimney sweep toiled through tough days in the bustling streets embodying the spirit of a spirited eighteenth century street urchin
Licensed via Adobe Stock

Caring for Orphans in New York City

Two columns ago I mentioned Charles Brace's concern about high rents in New York City. When Brace founded the New York Children's Aid Society in 1853, he began by setting up religious meetings aimed at orphaned or abandoned boys from 10 to 18 who slept in alleys. Read More ›
manhattan-midtown-skyline-with-illuminated-skyscrapers-at-sunset-nyc-usa-stockpack-adobe-stock
Manhattan Midtown Skyline with illuminated skyscrapers at sunset. NYC, USA
Licensed via Adobe Stock

Helping the Manhattan Poor: A History

Much of what we hear in national media concerning homelessness originates in the salons of Manhattan, and if we want to understand why our policy savants sometimes go far off course, we should understand the history of New York City’s successes and failures. Read More ›
cops-clearing-out-a-homeless-encampment-stockpack-adobe-stock
Cops Clearing Out A Homeless Encampment
Licensed via Adobe Stock

The Dirty Little Secret About Homelessness Is the Key to Ending It

The US Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments about what cities can and cannot do to end homelessness. What everyone agreed on was that homelessness is a difficult problem. I think most people listening to the Supreme Court would agree: it isn’t going to solve homelessness. That is a job for state legislators. So why haven’t they? Why has homelessness gotten worse? Read More ›
unsplash denys nevozhai
overhead view of city of Los Angeles lit up at night
city of Los Angeles at night

How Much Do You Know About Homelessness?

Six in ten, defined as “sheltered homeless,” sleep in emergency shelters, safe havens, or transitional housing programs. These sites are often unpleasant but usually not dangerous. Four in ten are unsheltered, some in tents or cars not for recreational reasons but because they have no alternative. Read More ›
closed envelope
Businessman giving bribe money in the envelope to partner
Photo licensed via Adobe Stock

Homelessness: A Profitable Business

James A. Brown III has turned sheltering the homeless into a lucrative business for himself, reaping more than $1 million a year in profits. By starting and managing his own security guard company, catering company, and management company — all of which service his shelters. Read More ›
seattle-police-seward-park-nbj
Two Seattle police at Seward Park
Photo by Nathan Jacobson, © Discovery Institute

Dead Body Found in Porta Potty in Seattle Park

Despite grisly scenes such as this, or the recent report that the U.S. has surpassed 100,000 drug overdose deaths in the span of a year, cities like New York City and Seattle continue to pursue failed policies to combat homelessness and drug addiction. Read More ›