NYC to provide a softer touch in fight against homelessness on subways
Various New York City departments will work in tandem to implement a pilot program that aims to offer shelter and services in lieu of summonses to unsheltered individuals in the subway system in Manhattan.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says the Subway Diversion Project “strikes the right balance” to address homelessness. Under the pilot program, the New York City Police Department, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, the city’s Department of Homeless Services, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and New York City Transit will enhance their close coordination with HOME-STAT outreach teams by providing new options to individuals they encounter in the subway system, diverting individuals from the criminal justice system towards outreach services and supportive programs.
“New Yorkers want homeless people in the subway to receive the right interventions that will help them get back on their feet. Subjecting these individuals to criminal justice involvement for low level, non-violent offenses is not the answer and does not help anyone,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This initiative strikes the right balance, and we are excited to give it a try as we expand approaches to prevent and address homelessness.”
The Subway Diversion Project will begin July 1 and those individuals encountered on the transit system will be offered referral services. The mayor’s office explains that participants who opt into the program will complete an assessment with an outreach team, receive a referral to shelter and/or other services, and have their summonses cleared in coordination with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, ultimately diverting them towards shelter away from unnecessary formal court processes and helping more people come inside and out of the subways. Any incidents of violent crime will still result in arrest and strong enforcement
“The NYPD works continuously with our partners – such as the MTA, the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, DHS and the Bowery Residents’ Committee (BRC) – to connect those in need with critical services, and to improve quality of life and safety on the subways and across the city,” said NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill. “These partnerships include innovative solutions like this one to strike a sensible balance and to deliver real results for New Yorkers.”
“Our Office is proud to continue investing in structural reforms that keep New Yorkers out of the justice system and provide more meaningful interventions instead. Unsheltered people living in the subway need services – not arrests and court appearances for technical violations of transit rules,” said Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance.
Mischa Wanek-Libman | Group Editorial Director
Mischa Wanek-Libman is director of communications with Transdev North America. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the transportation industry covering construction projects, engineering challenges, transit and rail operations and best practices.
Wanek-Libman has held top editorial positions at freight rail and public transportation business-to-business publications including as editor-in-chief and editorial director of Mass Transit from 2018-2024. She has been recognized for editorial excellence through her individual work, as well as for collaborative content.
She is an active member of the American Public Transportation Association's Marketing and Communications Committee and served 14 years as a Board Observer on the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Board of Directors.
She is a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication.
