CONTACT: Mariah McGough, mariah@vocal-ny.org 

NYC’S HOMELESS OUTREACH REMAINS UNCOORDINATED AND FAILS TO CATCH PEOPLE FALLING THROUGH THE CRACKS

New Coverage in Gothamist Underscores Lack of Coordination, Supply, and Investment into Housing That Meets Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder

NEW YORK — A new article from Gothamist’s Karen Yi, which interviews a number of stakeholders and policy experts, dives into New York City’s “inefficient and largely uncoordinated street outreach system.” In response, VOCAL-NY released the following statements:

“It doesn’t matter how many times you follow up by phone or email – when there’s not enough housing options to meet people’s needs, the results will always be the same,” said Graciela Razo, Director of VOCAL-NY Drop-In Center. “We know the unique challenges our community faces, and without coordinated outreach and services, our people are not getting the help they need. Mayor Mamdani doesn’t need to recreate the wheel to get people housed – the administration needs to put investments and political will behind making our system work.”

“New York City’s infrastructure to move people from street homelessness to permanent housing is not working, plain and simple,” said Jeremy Saunders, Co-Executive Director of VOCAL-NY. “We’ve tried to work with the city to get our people housed, but we’re seeing the same failed practices in the new administration as we have in the past. There’s not enough units for those who need it – especially those who struggle with mental health or substance use. 

This isn’t isolated to New York City: this crisis falls on Governor Hochul as much as it does the Mamdani administration. Without coordination, we’re just throwing money at ineffective solutions that don’t get people off the street.”

BACKGROUND:

VOCAL-NY has run a syringe service program in Downtown Brooklyn for more than two decades, which offers a variety of services to those who live on the streets, many who use substances and live with mental health complexities. Recently, the Mamdani admin changed 311 call responders from the responsibility of the NYPD, to the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). In a statement, VOCAL-NY observed that:

“The fact is, virtually every street homeless New Yorker has been arrested, spent time on Rikers Island, been taken to an ER, or spent time at a shelter. This is the norm. What is not happening: connecting people to stable housing and healthcare, in particular for mental health and substance use services if needed.”

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