Why throngs of NYC’s homeless are choosing Penn Station over shelters — and leaving commuters in a constant state of fear

Carlton Moore, a 61-year-old homeless man with a colostomy bag and a history of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, describes New York City’s homeless shelters as anything but welcoming. “They’re not peaches and cream,” he says, reflecting his lifelong experience of navigating the city’s streets. For Moore, the risk of violence and instability in shelters outweighs the benefits, prompting him to choose the relative safety of Penn Station instead.

Many homeless individuals, like Moore, have opted to live near Penn Station, where an array of aid workers and organizations provide essential services such as food, water, gift cards, and cash. Nathaniel Armstrong, a 57-year-old homeless man, echoes this sentiment, noting that the presence of outreach groups like BRC ensures he can access help whenever needed.

This shift has led to a growing number of homeless individuals avoiding the city’s shelter system, which has long been plagued by overcrowding, inadequate resources, and a lack of security. Instead, they have found a semblance of stability near Penn Station, where they can access support and avoid the dangers associated with shelters.

However, this trend has also brought increased challenges to the area. The presence of mentally ill homeless individuals has contributed to a rise in squalor, open drug use, and the threat of random violence. Penn Station, already known for its chaotic environment, has become even more difficult for commuters and tourists to navigate.

The station has long been a problematic space, with its cramped, confusing, and deteriorating conditions. Governor Kathy Hochul once referred to it as a “hellhole,” a description that resonates with many who frequent the area. Sam Adam, a manager at a local eatery, notes that the homeless population has grown more erratic in recent months, with some individuals exhibiting severe mental health issues.

Adam describes the situation as having worsened in the past year, with more individuals displaying signs of severe distress. While outreach workers offer shelter, many homeless individuals prefer to remain on the streets, where they feel safer and more in control of their lives. This choice, while understandable, has created a complex and challenging environment for all who pass through Penn Station.

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