NYPD outreach program assists 6,000 homeless individuals sleeping in New York City subways over the past year.

In a significant initiative aimed at addressing homelessness within New York City’s subway system, Mayor Eric Adams announced that over 6,000 individuals sleeping on trains and platforms received assistance last year. This outreach was part of the Partnership Assistance for Transit Homelessness (PATH), a collaborative effort involving NYPD officers, healthcare professionals, and social service workers.

Through this initiative, which has been operational for a year, outreach teams conducted more than 20,000 interactions with homeless individuals. According to Mayor Adams, these contacts led to tailored support for 6,100 individuals, offering services that ranged from meal provisions to overnight shelter and medical evaluations for those at risk of self-harm or harming others.

At a press conference held on October 10, 2025, at the Times Square subway station, Mayor Adams emphasized the importance of the program, stating that it addresses a long-standing societal issue. He expressed the necessity of intervention in changing the lives of individuals who struggle with homelessness and mental health challenges. The PATH initiative operates primarily between 8 p.m. and noon the following day, allowing for targeted assistance during peak transit hours. Outreach workers are focused on engaging those in need, providing services such as transportation to shelters or assistance in finding permanent housing.

This program complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s subway safety plan. So far, this broader strategy has successfully transitioned approximately 8,600 homeless individuals into shelters and achieved permanent housing solutions for about 1,000 people. Mayor Adams noted that the combined efforts have contributed to a 17% reduction in transit crime for September and a 4% decrease year-to-date.

In its first year, the PATH teams undertook over 13,000 train inspections. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch praised the compassion and dedication of the NYPD officers involved in the initiative, signaling a new approach to tackling homelessness on public transit.

Despite these efforts, an annual count conducted in January indicated that around 4,000 individuals were homeless in New York City, a figure that has not been seen since 2005. Notably, it is estimated that about 50% of the city’s homeless population resides within the subway system.

This heightened visibility of homelessness has occasionally fueled public concern over safety, especially in light of incidents involving violent crime perpetrated by individuals experiencing homelessness. Recent cases include a violent attack on a subway passenger and an incident where an off-duty police officer was shoved onto the tracks. While these events raise valid concerns about safety, Mayor Adams asserted that they do not overshadow the urgent need for mental health support and social services for vulnerable individuals.

The mayor outlined his administration’s commitment to addressing the systemic issues surrounding homelessness and mental health, underscoring that many individuals need specialized care but often do not recognize their need for assistance. The overarching goal remains clear: to provide not just temporary relief but long-term solutions that integrate care and support into the lives of those affected by homelessness in New York City.