social policy

From what I’ve read, it sounds like the NYC Police Commissioner is only half-hearted with following social service initiatives to fight homelessness. It appears they will look at out-of-state laws that they may implement to go after the homeless in a criminal manner.
I like that there are social workers advocating for the homeless who are not afraid to ruffle police feathers. Sometimes, it can be hard to go against police officers if you work with them every day or depend on them in a collaborative manner. (Another issue that a future post on community crisis will address)
I live in a city where homelessness isn’t out in the open but everyone knows it is still present. The homeless shelter is near the post office and the bus station is next to the library. There is always a police presence at both of these locations. If there are issues with the police and the homeless, it isn’t broadcast through out social service agencies. I just don’t understand why people treat homelessness like a crime. It’s like putting people who owe debt in prison.
Read the article and let me know if you have any ideas on solutions and policy changes. Having worked with primarily youth, homelessness is a new area for me. When a teen was kicked out of the house, we had to call the police and there were also issues with other kid’s parents harboring a runaway.
However, I do know several people who are homeless or in some sort of transitional housing. But that’s the thing about my current insight, everyone I know is getting some kind of shelter.

Source: Homeless and Advocates Wary of De Blasio’s New Outreach Plan