Part 8/12:
As the number of homeless individuals plummeting into the subway system grows, city officials maintain that there are indeed facilities available for those who wish to seek assistance. However, many of these services remain underutilized, pointing to deep-rooted distrust of such facilities. Reports of unwelcoming environments and rough treatment by staff deter individuals from seeking shelter.
The recent insistence by the city to pursue involuntary commitments for those unable to care for themselves or recognize their distress invites further scrutiny. Critics argue that determining who is mentally unstable enough to justify such actions could open the door to abuses of power as officials may make subjective decisions about individuals' mental welfare.