New York City to Hospitalize Some Mentally Ill Homeless, Involuntarily If Necessary
“New York City will begin hospitalizing homeless people who are severely mentally ill in an effort to move individuals off the streets to get the care they need. Mayor Eric Adams said the effort was designed to address what he called a ‘mental health crisis’ among the city’s homeless population. The move comes amid concerns about safety and disorder in the city. City agencies—such as the fire, police and health department—and contractors will evaluate and provide care to homeless people on the streets and subways who are deemed to be in a ‘psychiatric crisis.’ A new team is also being deployed to the subways to respond specifically to individuals with severe mental-health issues, according to Mr. Adams. Jacquelyn Simone, policy director for Coalition for the Homeless, a New York City-based advocacy group, said the mayor has scapegoated homeless people. The new plan, she said, paints a picture of those with mental illness as violent.”