New York governor orders homeless indoors during frigid temperatures, inviting legal challenge

Some opposition to the order believe homeless people have a right to choose to freeze and die in the street if it is their wish.

But human rights lawyers have criticized Cuomo’s executive order, saying it violates the autonomy of homeless citizens.

The state say it is ready to help local social service districts if they do not have the facilities, resources or expertise. Cuomo says the order is necessary to protect individuals from hypothermia, injury and death.

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has also taken steps to combat the issue of homelessness in recent weeks, as the two politicians continue to trade barbs over the other’s ability to tackle the problem.

An executive order announced on Sunday morning aims to ensure that homeless individuals across the state are directed to shelters when temperatures are below freezing. We welcome the Governor’s expanded interest in this issue and are eager to add a greater State presence in our ongoing efforts related to the homeless.

The action requires authorities, including those in New York City, to move the homeless into shelters – by force if necessary – when temperatures hit 32 degrees or below.

Officials at the Coalition for the Homeless advocacy group in New York City could not be immediately reached for comment.

De Blasio unveiled his “Home-Stat” plan last month to begin tracking, in real time, the city’s responses to reports of homeless people in the streets. “We support the intent of the executive order, but to forcibly remove all homeless individuals in freezing weather, as the governor has ordered, will require him to pass state law”.

“We believe as a state that we’re not going to leave anybody on the streets in the cold”, said Cuomo.