During a press conference, the mayor emphasized the importance of understanding governance and planning for the future while addressing immediate issues. He provided details on his proposal for a new facility, “Bridge to Home,” aimed at housing and treating mentally ill New Yorkers by fiscal year 2027. Additionally, the mayor outlined plans to add 900 “Safe Haven” beds to existing shelters at a cost of $106 million.
In response to criticism from another official, the mayor defended his approach and emphasized the need for practical solutions. He highlighted the innovative features of the proposed facility, which will offer psychiatric care, substance abuse treatment, and support for homeless individuals transitioning to permanent housing.
While the exact location of the facility is yet to be determined, officials expressed confidence in finding a suitable site through a public engagement process. The mayor also announced investments to add beds for homeless youth aged 21-24.
Despite criticisms from some quarters, the mayor remains committed to addressing homelessness and providing necessary support services. The plans outlined are part of a comprehensive effort to tackle the issue effectively.
The administration, under Adams, is striving to assist approximately 2,000 mentally ill homeless individuals in finding housing, an approach that has proven successful in various cities nationwide and can be swiftly implemented. Moreover, the administration reported a commendable achievement of relocating over 8,000 individuals from the subway to shelters, facilitating permanent housing for 2,800 homeless persons, and aiding a substantial 18,500 households in transitioning from shelters to stable residences in the fiscal year 2024.
Kayla Mamelak, the Press Secretary for Adams, highlighted the administration’s efforts, emphasizing the doubling of outreach staff, the initiation of the Partnership Assistance for Transit Homelessness program, and the enlargement of Subway Co-Response Outreach Teams to enhance the provision of care to a greater number of individuals.
Contrasting the current progress with a potential alternative scenario, Mamelak indicated a concern that the achievements made thus far might not have been possible under Brad Lander’s leadership. She suggested that Lander’s purported preference for allowing streets to be occupied by encampments and neglecting the most vulnerable individuals would hinder the advancements in addressing homelessness.
