Should Homeless New Yorkers Trust the City Government?

 

Why Homeless New Yorkers Should Trust City Government

Photo Credit: kieferpix - stock.adobe.com

While we at Mentor A Promise endeavor for political neutrality, we must acknowledge that even though every New York politician vows to combat homelessness, the crisis has only worsened. This collective failing has eroded trust between those experiencing homelessness and city officials. This blog post will discuss whether homeless New Yorkers should trust the city government, how trust can be rebuilt and the benefits of proactive measures. 

Why Don’t Homeless New Yorkers Trust the City Government? 

We would like to acknowledge the vast amount of financial and human capital dedicated to curbing homelessness. In January of this year, Mayor Eric Adams announced $650 million in new allocations to reduce street homelessness and mental illness. The Homelessness Prevention Administration works alongside the Department of Homeless Services, NYCHA and numerous other private and public agencies to turn the proverbial tide. And yet, as Shane P. Cox, a veteran with a decade of experience in street homelessness, permanent housing and government administration, said in a recent podcast, these entities are too busy tripping over each other, sometimes literally, to provide actual assistance. 

Without a concerted effort, minimal (if any) progress can be made. If those experiencing homelessness feel ignored, which may result from this scattershot approach, they lose faith in agencies tasked with aiding them and opt out of crucial services. 

How Can the City Government Gain the Trust of Homeless New Yorkers? 

Rebuilding trust is a Herculean effort, but it can be achieved. Entities should work together to: 

  • Serve immediate needs, including shelter, food and access to hygiene facilities
  • Create individualized and city-wide plans for sustained stability
  • Ground their work in understanding, compassion and recognition of past experiences
  • Educate themselves and be sensitive to cultural, racial and societal backgrounds
  • Help navigate and access resources, including social services, healthcare, legal and employment assistance 
  • Aid with identification, legal documentation and financial support, and
  • Keep all their promises 

What Happens When the Homeless Trust City Government? 

Homeless individuals who can reasonably trust city government are more likely to access the embarrassment of essential resources they have available to them. This in turn leads to increased stability and well-being. In effect, they will opt in to this recuperative process. A targeted, comprehensive and compassionate approach, wherein one doesn’t have to repeat one's self multiple times each day, signals that you are listening and capable of delivering solutions. Good intentions are great and all, but healing can’t begin unless one genuinely believes they can be healed. 

Mentor A Promise and its network of partner organizations coördinate to provide individualized holistic services to this vulnerable population. 

Contact Mentor A Promise Today 

Our organization recognizes the immense potential within each individual and seeks to provide them with the educational resources and opportunities they need to thrive. To that end, we have built a strong network of family shelters, educational institutions and community organizations to support homeless children, youths and their families. Click these links to learn more about what we offer or to get involved. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness. 

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