Some mayoral candidates want to restore programs that place homeless families in regular housing. But one think-tank believes those programs drive shelter demand.
Produced in close concert with advocates, the mayor’s 2004 initiative aimed for a paradigm shift in how the city approached homelessness. And it aimed to achieve it in record time.
The homeless have always been with us. But somewhere along the way they changed from an isolated population of alcoholic men to a visible problem affecting families with children.
The mayor aimed to significantly reduce the homeless shelter population. The opposite has happened. Now, there’s a lot more blame to go around than ideas on what to do next.
Prosecutors and legislators report an increase in illegal sales of HIV medication by people looking to feed their families or support drug habits. Will tougher criminal penalties slow the market?
