Why Should You Never Dismantle Encampments of Homeless New Yorkers?


Why You Should Never Dismantle Homeless Encampments in New York

Photo Credit: Marcus Jones - stock.adobe.com

The President of the United States’ federalization of the police force of Washington, D.C. has been a startling development in the eyes of many. In particular, we have been shocked and horrified by the glee with which these forces have torn down encampments of homeless people. While we might be inclined toward partisanship, we must remember that members of both parties have engaged in this wanton destruction. This blog post will discuss why you should never dismantle an encampment of homeless New Yorkers, the effects on this vulnerable population and how you may prevent future incidents.  

Why Is It Bad To Destroy Homeless Encampments in New York? 

While some out there may consider these encampments “unsightly,” these sites are, to our most vulnerable populations, the only sources of community and safety in an otherwise hostile environment. If you have a reliable neighbor, you can appreciate the feeling. Even without actual uprooting, the ever-present threat of upheaval can damage one’s overall well-being. 

What Effect Does Destroying Encampments Have on Homeless New Yorkers? 

According to a report compiled by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, sweeps on homeless encampments can have the following deleterious effects:  

  • Destruction of items needed for survival, such as vital documents
  • Loss of life-saving medications and medical equipment 
  • Severance of access to care 
  • Undermining of trust in service partners 
  • Increase in arrests and assaults of residents 
  • Exacerbation of drug problems 
  • Migration of people into more dangerous, isolated environments 
  • Provoking an atmosphere of fear 
  • Greater hostility toward the police 
  • Prevention of gainful employment
  • And much more

How Do We Prevent the Destruction of Homeless Encampments?

We would not be doing our due diligence if we did not state that the unwarranted search, seizure and/or destruction of one’s life, liberty and property is unconstitutional and a violation of one’s human rights. Therefore, those at risk are advised to seek legal counsel. Some likely sources include, but are definitely not limited to, the following:

Of course, Mentor A Promise and its network of partner organizations are tireless advocates for this city’s less fortunate residents. Give us a call today if you need help or would like to aid others in achieving healing. 

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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