Miami Beach Hotel Tips by NJFamily

The Beach: Why be Homeless in New York?

I was once walking home down Third Avenue in New York when I passed a homeless person who I'd seen for nearly two years living in the same spot on the corner of 39th street.

What made this time different was that a city van showed up, and Mayor Ed Koch jumped out, along with a publicity woman, and a photographer. He began talking to her, kindly at first. He asked her how she was doing (Fine) and how long she had lived there (Years). Then she asked her if she knew if the City had homeless shelters (Yes), and if she had ever been to one (Yes). Finally she asked her why she lived on the street (This corner is better).

He tried to get her into the van, but she refused. He tried telling her how the shelters were much better now (she didn't care) and how it would be healthier (she wasn't sick). Finally, in frustration, he began yelling at her "What's wrong with you?" It was clear he'd been driving around the city for a while and the van was still empty. The "you" in the question wasn't the singular addressed to her, but the plural.

Now that I've seen Miami beach, I have the same question. "What's wrong with you?" Screw 39th and 3rd, you could be on Miami Beach!

Seriously, the issue of homelessness is important, and no less so in Miami. In the court case Pottinger v. City of Miami the court ruled that the police could not cite, jail, or arrest homeless people for certain kinds of misdemeanors (like public sleeping) unless they first declined placement in a bed. The city instituted a 1% restaurant tax specifically to provide services to the homeless.

Address: The intersection of land and water.

Directions: Go east until feet become wet. Step back a dozen paces. Optionally turn right or left.

Theme: Campground