Homelessness can’t be fixed with one-size-fits-all approach

A Night Ministry medical worker gives free supplies from the street medicine van, such as food and hand warmers, to someone living at a homeless encampment on the Northwest Side. (Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times)

Recently, New York City Mayor Eric Adams unveiled a controversial policy to involuntarily remove individuals deemed too mentally ill to care for themselves from the streets, even if they are not a danger to themselves or others. The decision could face legal backlash and came after a series of tragic instances in the city involving individuals with mental health conditions.

While we all share the common goal of keeping our communities safe and providing care to those in need, Adams’ decision is ultimately troubling, and fails to humanely address the root of the problem.