Human.nyc recently released a report called “The Human Plan to End Street Homelessness.”

The plan’s recommendations point to several principles outlined by both homeless New Yorkers and other stakeholders. Each with the goal of ending street homelessness. The plan outlines four pillars:

Re-Imagine Street Homeless Outreach 

Reduce bureaucratic barriers to stable housing and focus on a human centered model to effectively engage un-sheltered New Yorkers.

Remove Law Enforcement from Homeless Outreach 

Involving law enforcement leads to the criminalization of un-sheltered individuals. Furthermore, negative interactions with law enforcement directly inform a homeless individual’s perception of social and outreach workers.

Adopt a True “Housing First” Model in Supportive Housing 

Create an environment where providers can ensure that the most vulnerable New Yorkers are “screened in, not screened out”.

Ensure Access to Affordable Housing for Un-Sheltered Homelessness New Yorkers 

Raise the CityFHEPS voucher to fair market rate and easing the requirements for un-sheltered New Yorkers to obtain housing.

As noted in the plan, “housing is by far the most crucial intervention for homeless New Yorkers. It provides security and has proven benefits for mental and physical health.”

Yet, the demand for housing far exceeds the supply. New York City must commit to increasing access to low barrier, transitional placements. In addition, they must address street homelessness in the short term and permanent affordable housing (including supportive housing) in the long term. 

So, can we end street homelessness?
Visit humanplan.nyc to read the details of this plan.