Thread by @humandotnyc

As we continue to work to #DefundNYPD, we want to take a moment to list some of the cruel, racist, and counterproductive ways in which @NYCMayor uses the NYPD to target homeless NYers.

Let's start with the Joint Command Center. Video below.

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Last November, @NYCMayor rolled out a plan called "The "Journey Home." Through this plan, he created the Joint Command Center. He also tripled the size of NYPD’s Homeless Outreach Unit, investing $9.5 million per year for 79 new staff and $1.1 million for vehicles and equipment.

The Joint Command Center and the Homeless Outreach Unit have led to an increase in cruel street sweeps, which @CDCgov explicitly advises against. Story by @akashvmehta @Gothamist.

gothamist.com/news/despite-c…

In addition, @NYCMayor introduced the Subway Diversion Program in June, 2019. He then doubled down on the NYPD’s role in subway outreach during the #COVID19 pandemic, even after NYPD officers themselves condemned it.

Details on Diversion Program below:

https://twitter.com/humandotnyc/status/1219625508067053572

As we fight in the movement to #DefundNYPD for #NYCBudgetJustice, we encourage @NYCCouncil to remove the NYPD from homeless outreach. The alleged purpose of the HOU, to engage with homeless people and offer them services, is better conducted by actual homeless outreach teams.

Instead of investing more and more money into policing homeless New Yorkers, we should invest in communities & permanent, deeply affordable housing so people can move off the streets & subways and out of shelters into their own homes.

More on this from us and others soon.

/end