It must be that time of year: Self-appointed “advocates for the homeless” are once again wailing about a new “crisis” overtaking the city.
It’s about as predictable as cold in December.
But don’t believe any of it.
Take, for instance, the Coalition for the Homeless’ charges that city shelters are housing an all-time record number of people — and that this is proof that City Hall hasn’t done “enough” to address the issue.
The group says more than 39,000 homeless folks, including 10,000 families, use shelters each night. In 2002, the number was about 31,000.
But, then, what the “advocates” mean by “enough” is a tad problematic: Ultimately, they want free permanent housing on demand, anytime anyone asks for it — and only when the city has provided that will it have done “enough.”
Truth is, if the shelter population has grown — amid a deep recession — it suggests that the city is doing a good job. It’s responding well to changing conditions.
Folks shouldn’t be out on the streets — and the fact that they’re filling up shelters suggests that, indeed, they’re not. The city’s recent annual homeless census, which registered a 47% drop this year, confirms that.
And, anyway, let’s be honest: For many folks, shelters are free housing on demand. And though they’re not supposed to be permanent, many in effect practically are.
Meanwhile, cities across the country are battling surges in family dislocations because of the economy.
So there’s nothing unique, let alone sinister, taking place in Gotham.
As for efforts to get these folks back on their feet, the city’s record actually isn’t all that bad: It’s exposed its clientele to rules and incentives that foster independence through work.
As a result, its Work Advantage program has helped a record number of families with working adults get permanent shelter.
What’s more, some 80% of those families keep their jobs.
So why the outcry from the “advocates”?
Because without their annual “crisis,” they’d be out of business.
And as nice as that might sound, it just wouldn’t be New York without them.