Mayor Mamdani says the 30th Street Shelter is beyond saving. But prisons already overwhelmed by mental illness, addiction, and instability may soon inherit the fallout.
And, another dimension to this problem is that there is an added factor ito it: the private for-profit prison industry, who will now step in to "fill that gap," while PROMISING to provide necessary services at a substantial cost-savings (which will inevitably be proven to be a lie), but which will provide even LESS service but will make a much-higher profit.
This is such an important perspective because it reminds us that incarceration rarely begins with crime… it often begins with unmet needs, untreated trauma, unstable housing, addiction or mental illness that went unaddressed for years. Your point that “people don’t simply disappear when shelters close” is one policymakers and communities alike should wrestle with.
A society that waits until crisis becomes visible has already waited too long. Prevention will always be more humane and ultimately more effective than punishment. Thank you for sharing your lived experience and challenging us to see these systems as interconnected rather than isolated. Real public safety is built through stability, dignity and opportunity, not just reaction.
Thank you for an excellent and "spot-on" post, Devin. Let me append that it is wonderful to hear from you again. Please bring us up to date on your situation (assuming you are able to do so).
And, another dimension to this problem is that there is an added factor ito it: the private for-profit prison industry, who will now step in to "fill that gap," while PROMISING to provide necessary services at a substantial cost-savings (which will inevitably be proven to be a lie), but which will provide even LESS service but will make a much-higher profit.
This is such an important perspective because it reminds us that incarceration rarely begins with crime… it often begins with unmet needs, untreated trauma, unstable housing, addiction or mental illness that went unaddressed for years. Your point that “people don’t simply disappear when shelters close” is one policymakers and communities alike should wrestle with.
A society that waits until crisis becomes visible has already waited too long. Prevention will always be more humane and ultimately more effective than punishment. Thank you for sharing your lived experience and challenging us to see these systems as interconnected rather than isolated. Real public safety is built through stability, dignity and opportunity, not just reaction.
Compelling and urgent, so clearly stated. I will be sharing. I hope that your health has improved, Devin.
Thank you for an excellent and "spot-on" post, Devin. Let me append that it is wonderful to hear from you again. Please bring us up to date on your situation (assuming you are able to do so).