The safety of homeless individuals who stay at shelters in New York City is a priority for both the city and the people who stay in the shelters. Homeless shelters are a vital resource for many New Yorkers and the city has taken steps to ensure that standards of care and safety are of the highest standards. This article will take a look at how both the city and shelter staff can help protect those who rely on shelters in NYC.
Background on NYC Shelter System
New York City is home to the country’s largest homeless population. As of August 2020, more than 62,000 people were homeless in the city. To address the issue, the city has more than 400 shelters, which are managed by the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). The number of homeless shelters in the city has steadily increased each year, and a new shelter is opening up in Prospect Heights as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s “Turning the Tide” plan to reduce the number of homeless in the city.
Shelters in NYC are required to follow standards of care set by DHS. This includes providing basic services, like food and access to healthcare, but it also involves security measures to ensure the safety of those who stay in the shelters.
Enhancing Security Measures in Shelters
Ensuring that those who use shelters in NYC feel safe is a priority for the city. There are a number of steps that can be taken to ensure that everyone in shelters is as safe as possible.
Creating Clear Procedures:
The first step to making shelters safer is to create clear and consistent procedures that all staff and residents follow. Establishing a policy to address any potential risks or incidents should be made clear to everyone who is staying in the shelter. This should include information on how to report any issues, what to do in an emergency, and how the shelter staff should respond.
Increasing Staff:
Shelters should have enough staff to ensure safety and monitor any potential problems. This includes having a mix of both social workers and security guards in shelters. This will help to make sure that issues can be addressed quickly and efficiently, and will ensure that there is enough staff to deal with any emergencies or incidents that may arise.
Installing Cameras:
Installing cameras in shelters can help to deter any criminal activity and will make it easier for staff to monitor any incidents that occur. This can also give people living in the shelters a level of reassurance that their safety is being taken seriously.
Upgrading Facility:
Making sure that shelters are well-maintained is important for the safety of those who stay in them. This includes making sure that electrical systems are up to code, that exits and entrances are kept secure, and that fire safety measures are in place.
Utilizing Mental Health Services:
It’s important to recognize that many people living in shelters have mental health issues, and that making sure these individuals have access to mental health resources is essential for their well-being. Providing access to individuals with resources, such as counseling and medication, can help to make shelter living safer.
Ensuring Access to Safer Alternatives:
It’s important to provide those in shelters with access to safer alternatives, like temporary housing and supportive services. These can help people transition out of shelters and help them find a more permanent and stable housing solution.
Making sure that those who rely on shelters in NYC feel safe is of the utmost importance. The city and the staff of shelters should work together to ensure that safety measures are in place to protect those in need. Steps such as creating clear procedures, increasing staff, installing cameras, upgrading facilities, utilizing mental health services, and ensuring access to safer alternatives are key to making sure that those who stay in shelters are kept safe.
