Social and Human Services in New York City

Street People: Despite what many visitors think, many of these "street people" have chosen to live outside rather than to be accept housing in shelters. Many of the "homeless" are ex-patients from a variety of institutions who decided not to be treated for their mental illness (usually schizophrenia) or drug or alcohol abuse. Only when the temperature drops below freezing and they are endangering their lives, can the street people be "forced" into shelters.