Hochul Opposes Mamdani’s Plan to End Homeless Encampment Sweeps

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has publicly opposed Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s proposal to cease the city’s homeless encampment sweeps, aligning herself with outgoing Mayor Eric Adams. Hochul emphasized the necessity of maintaining enforcement measures, including sweeps, as part of the city’s strategy for addressing homelessness. Her stance adds significant pressure to Mamdani, who articulated his intention to halt the sweeps, claiming they fail to connect individuals living on the streets with stable housing.

In a statement to amNewYork, a spokesperson for Hochul asserted that “allowing New Yorkers to sleep on sidewalks or under bridges is not a humane solution to homelessness.” Kara Cumoletti, Hochul’s press secretary, further explained that the governor supports a comprehensive approach that integrates enforcement, including sweeps when necessary, with access to supportive housing and mental health services.

At a press conference on Thursday, Mamdani criticized the sweeps, arguing they have not succeeded in helping unsheltered New Yorkers find the housing they need. He stated that the city treats homelessness as an inevitable fixture rather than a consequence of political decisions. “If you are not connecting homeless New Yorkers to the housing that they so desperately need, you cannot deem anything you’re doing to be a success,” he said.

Mamdani proposed that his administration focus on linking individuals to supportive or rental housing, shifting the responsibility for addressing street homelessness to a newly proposed Department of Community Safety. This department aims to reduce the police’s dominant role in these matters. “What we have seen is the treatment of homelessness as if it is a natural part of living in this city, when, in fact, it’s more often a reflection of a political choice being made,” he added.

Adams, who has implemented the sweeps since taking office in 2022, responded swiftly to Mamdani’s comments, warning that halting the sweeps would lead to a “quality-of-life nightmare.” He stated, “I won’t criticize him on every issue, but when a policy harms New Yorkers, I have to speak up.” Adams stressed that showing compassion for those living on the streets does not equate to ending the sweeps, which he deems necessary for maintaining public safety.

“Ending this action will create a quality-of-life nightmare. Just look at cities that allow encampments, and you’ll see the damage,” Adams continued. Throughout his administration, he has remained committed to clearing encampments and urged the incoming leadership to reconsider Mamdani’s position. “Labeling the abandonment as progress is a slap in the face to real progress,” he said.

Despite the pushback from Hochul and Adams, advocates for the homeless have rallied behind Mamdani’s approach. They cite extensive data indicating that the sweeps have consistently failed to connect unsheltered residents with adequate support and instead lead to repeated displacements. Dave Giffen, executive director of the Coalition for the Homeless, criticized the Adams administration’s reliance on sweeps, calling it “an embarrassment and an unmitigated failure.” He expressed optimism about Mamdani’s commitment to connecting individuals with safe and affordable permanent housing.

The sweeps initiated under Adams’ administration have involved coordinated efforts by the NYPD, the Department of Sanitation, and various social service agencies. These operations have been framed as a means to connect outdoor dwellers with necessary services while dismantling makeshift camps. However, many advocates argue that these actions inflict trauma on individuals experiencing homelessness, often involving the forced removal of personal belongings.

A 2023 audit conducted by Comptroller Brad Lander revealed that more than 2,300 individuals were cleared from encampments during the first year of the initiative, yet only three were successfully placed into permanent housing. Lander labeled this outcome a “sweeping failure” and called for an end to the initiative. Further data indicates that since 2024, the city has expended over $6.4 million on clearing 4,148 sites, with zero individuals transitioned into permanent housing through various support programs. In May, it was reported that of approximately 3,500 individuals displaced, only 114 ultimately entered shelters.

The Department of Homeless Services’ latest quarterly report notes that between July and September 2024, the city conducted 956 sweeps, encountering 2,210 people without successfully placing any into permanent or supportive housing. Many sites had been cleared multiple times, indicating a cycle of repeated interventions without lasting solutions. The sweep activity has affected numerous council districts across all boroughs, with the highest concentrations in areas of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx.

As Hochul and Adams maintain their positions, the debate over how best to address homelessness in New York City continues, with significant implications for the individuals affected and the city’s overall approach to this pressing issue.