ABSTRACT

In a classic "blame the victim" scenario, the shorthand explanation for homeless families is that they have somehow created their own misfortune and accelerated their own decline. As New York City enters a winter which will once again break post-depression homeless records, the snapshots are being readied of a nameless and homeless mass, filled with misfortune and tragedy to be sure, but nonetheless beyond the reach of effective intervention. Deputy Housing Commissioner for Property Management Joe Shuldiner is overseeing a 2,500-unit rehab program aimed exclusively at homeless families. Against the gloomy background of growing homelessness, a remarkable demonstration held in late August in City Hall Park burst like a long pent-up storm. A large number of families were taken in by the Hotel Carter which was owned by a Vietnamese businessman, Tran Dinh Truong. The Carter's management has insisted on a shroud of secrecy around itself.