Unlocking Dignity: A Closer Look at Homelessness and Shelter Conditions

Throughout July, I’ll be shedding light on the critical issue of housing access. Join me as I pull back the curtain and explore the hidden reality of homelessness within our city's shelter system.

In New York City, the number of people experiencing homelessness has soared to levels unseen since the Great Depression. Shockingly, within just twelve months, the population seeking refuge in Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelters has surged by nearly 70%, affecting over 83,000 people in June 2023.

 While our shelter system plays a vital role, it is imperative to acknowledge its complexity and challenges. Many congregate shelters house single adults in crowded rooms, with limited access to basic necessities like shared bathrooms, hot meals, and personal storage. These conditions can amplify feelings of vulnerability, particularly for those already battling anxiety, PTSD, or other challenges we can all relate to. This is why some individuals seek refuge on the streets and in public or hidden spaces, where they believe they can find a greater sense of safety.

The NYC Department of Homeless Services' budget is 2.2 billion dollars. Unfortunately, the outcome does not always reflect the resources invested. Guests have shared vivid accounts of cramped dormitories, subpar conditions, food quality concerns, conflicts, and experiences that erode their sense of dignity. Staff members in shelters, often underpaid and stretched thin, strive to provide support, but can't fully meet residents' needs, leaving them lacking hope.

To foster true change, we must shift our perspective, treating shelter guests as valued customers rather than simply "The Homeless." We must create spaces affirming their dignity, emphasizing individuality rather than desperation. Investing in low-barrier small-room, non-congregate shelters equipped with comprehensive care coordination and rental subsidies can transform lives and provide safer alternatives that facilitate personal growth.

As a community driven by empathy and effective solutions, we can all work together to address homelessness in our city. By becoming a monthly giver to City Relief, you will directly contribute to services that increase accessibility to housing while prioritizing dignity, safety, and support for our unhoused neighbors on a regular basis.

Let us stand united in our commitment to unlocking dignity, understanding, and effective solutions for those experiencing homelessness. Together, we can create a future where everyone has access to safe and secure housing.

With gratitude,

 Josiah Haken