Homeless sweeps increase hardship without solving homelessness, according to recent findings.

Mayor Eric Adams and conservative media representatives recently urged New Yorkers to express alarm regarding Council Member Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to eliminate homeless encampment sweeps. Contrary to the alarmist narrative, this initiative represents a significant shift towards a more humane and potentially effective approach to addressing homelessness in New York City.

Historical data suggests that encampment sweeps provide minimal benefit to homeless individuals. Rather than assisting them in transitioning into stable housing, these operations often dismantle the few possessions that homeless individuals own, displacing them without offering viable alternatives. Research indicates that the city has repeatedly targeted the same areas and individuals for these sweeps, resulting in a cycle that fails to reduce the homeless population. Between January 2024 and June 2025, the Adams administration reportedly allocated over .4 million for thousands of homeless encampment sweeps, yet has not successfully housed a single individual through this approach.

The detrimental impact of these sweeps is apparent. By criminalizing the presence of homeless individuals in public spaces and disposing of their belongings, the city exacerbates their plight rather than alleviating it. Individuals subjected to these sweeps are often left with the immediate task of replacing essential documents for housing applications, which can significantly hinder their prospects for securing stable living arrangements.

Mamdani aptly noted that the current encampment sweep policy cannot be considered successful. The Adams administration is also contending with legal challenges regarding the constitutionality of these sweeps, underscoring the urgent need for policy reform. The mayor’s acknowledgment of the necessity for change presents an opportunity for a more effective and compassionate approach to homelessness.

Recently, members of the Safety Net Activists group, which includes individuals experiencing homelessness, gathered outside City Hall to advocate for systemic change in homeless policies. These individuals are integral to the community and possess firsthand knowledge of the complexities surrounding street homelessness. Contrary to media portrayals that sensationalize the presence of homeless encampments, many individuals experiencing homelessness express a desire for safe and dignified housing solutions.

Despite the reported availability of over 5,000 vacant supportive housing units equipped with social services, many homeless individuals remain unsheltered, highlighting a significant gap in available resources. The implementation of existing housing subsidy laws could facilitate access to stable housing for those in need and address the systemic issues contributing to homelessness in the city.

New York City is grappling with an escalating affordability crisis, where over 100,000 residents find themselves in homeless shelters, and countless others face precarious living situations. In the last academic year, more than 154,000 public school students experienced homelessness, underscoring the urgency of the crisis.

The stark realities of street homelessness reveal a broader political landscape. As Mamdani articulated, the current crisis results not from individual choices but from systemic failures that have persisted. It is clear that New Yorkers deserve a renewed commitment to addressing homelessness—one that prioritizes dignity and effective solutions for all residents.