A new homeless encampment has formed across the street from New York University dormitories at East Ninth Street and Third Avenue, adjacent to Ukrainian Village Park. The encampment, approximately 30 feet long, features a blue tarp covering various items such as office chairs, luggage, and bicycles. Residents of the encampment expressed that living on the streets has become more favorable under Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration.
One resident, Raymond, 45, stated that he prefers being outside over staying in a shelter, citing past experiences of theft in shelters. He noted that under the current mayor, police interactions have changed, with officers now inquiring about their well-being rather than removing them.
Reports indicate that homeless encampments have increased in New York City over the past year, including a significant encampment near the Intrepid Museum. The city's approach to managing these encampments has shifted, focusing on outreach rather than police intervention.
Raymond's companion, Dave, 31, mentioned that the current policy allows individuals to choose street life over shelters, where they feel unsafe. He shared his personal experience of becoming homeless after struggling with addiction.
On Sunday, NYPD officers responded to a complaint regarding the encampment and instructed the residents to condense their belongings before departing. A passerby commented on the similarities between the situation in New York and Los Angeles's Skid Row.