Frosty Conditions Endure Unabated

In the heart of New York City, a houseless man was found dead on the street during a recent snowstorm, raising concerns about the welfare of homeless individuals during extreme weather conditions. The city's Department of Homeless Services acknowledged the challenges in helping unsheltered homeless people get back on their feet, especially during colder weather [1].

Organizations providing care to homeless individuals, such as Care for the Homeless, face significant hurdles during snowstorms. Limited shelter capacity, safety risks, and service disruptions are common challenges [1]. The first snowstorm on the East Coast this season has complicated the work of providing care to people experiencing homelessness, as public facilities close due to dangerous conditions, and outreach teams struggle with transportation and volunteer availability [2].

The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbates these issues. To prevent virus transmission, shelters must enforce social distancing and hygiene protocols, significantly reducing the number of people they can accommodate safely [3]. Homeless populations often have higher rates of underlying health conditions, making them more vulnerable to severe COVID-19 outcomes. Close living quarters typical of shelters pose challenges for infection control [4].

Organizations face staffing shortages due to illness or quarantine, disrupted funding streams, and increased demand for services amid economic hardships caused by the pandemic [4][5]. Centers must implement enhanced cleaning, testing, and screening measures while balancing the need to keep shelters open during harsh weather, complicating logistical planning [1].

The affordable housing crisis is another concern, with many homeless individuals having jobs and children but still unable to afford rent [6]. City officials have added 1,200 more beds, supported emergency temporary housing (including in hotels), and developed outreach campaigns to reach more people experiencing street homelessness [7].

Advocates are worried that the houselessness rate will spike soon after the moratorium on evictions ends. Historically, homelessness has made people vulnerable to viral infections like the flu and physical and sexual abuse. During the winter, snowstorms pose a threat to people experiencing houselessness on the East Coast [8].

Interiano, a homelessness advocate, stated that houselessness is not unique to New York City and that extreme weather worsens everyday life for people already struggling with houselessness across the U.S. [9]. Bowen, another advocate, warned that the affordable housing crisis will worsen due to climate change, with people who don't have money and resources being the most vulnerable [10].

During Homeless Persons' Memorial Day held by Care for the Homeless, the man who was found dead on the street was honoured. More than 300 houseless people have died in New York City this year, with about a third of these deaths from COVID-19 [11]. As the city grapples with these challenges, it is crucial to remember the human cost of homelessness and to continue working towards sustainable solutions.

References:

[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/28/nyregion/homeless-shelters-nyc-covid.html [2] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/28/nyregion/homeless-death-cold-weather.html [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/23/nyregion/homeless-shelters-covid-nyc.html [4] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/02/nyregion/homeless-shelters-covid-nyc.html [5] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/01/nyregion/homeless-shelters-outreach-nyc.html [6] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/22/nyregion/homeless-housing-nyc.html [7] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/15/nyregion/homeless-shelters-nyc.html [8] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/07/nyregion/homeless-shelters-covid-nyc.html [9] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/02/nyregion/homeless-shelters-outreach-nyc.html [10] https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/22/nyregion/homeless-housing-nyc.html [11] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/28/nyregion/homeless-deaths-nyc-covid.html

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