Union Square in Lower Manhattan is known for its cultural significance, bustling shopping district and iconic farmer’s market. Increasingly, however, it has also become a gathering place for people experiencing homelessness who are searching for shelter, support, and a sense of community.

On the southwest corner of the square, more than a dozen carts lined the concrete as one man swept the area clean with a broom. Hundreds of pedestrians streamed past on their way to the subway or nearby stores without so much as a glance. Outside a nearby Chase bank, a woman clutching two bags struggled to remain upright while appearing to be under the influence of drugs.

Outside a nearby Chase bank, a woman clutching two bags struggled to remain upright while appearing to be under the influence of drugs.Photo by Dean Moses On the southwest corner of the square, more than a dozen carts lined the concrete as one man swept the area clean with a broom. Hundreds of pedestrians streamed past on their way to the subway or nearby stores without so much as a glance.Photo by Dean Moses

This scene is the latest example of the city’s ongoing homelessness crisis. In July, amNewYork documented open drug use and homelessness in Times Square. In August, the publication reported on piles of trash accumulating beneath the FDR Drive as people sought shelter under the highway.

While over the months New Yorkers have expressed frustration over the growing encampments and people lying on sidewalks, those living in Union Square say they want the public to understand that life on the streets is shaped by addiction, poverty and a lack of stable housing.

Jacquelyn Hanna said she is a prime example of this, moving to New York City from Long Island about five years ago after becoming addicted to heroin.
Jacquelyn Hanna said she is a prime example of this, moving to New York City from Long Island about five years ago after becoming addicted to heroin.Photo by Dean Moses

“The heroin epidemic was the reason why I became homeless. I’ve been out here for about five years. It’s a struggle, but coming from Long Island to the city, it was a journey. Really, a long journey,” Hanna said. “The trouble started in Long Island, but there’s no help in Long Island. There’s no methadone program. So, basically my counselors told me to go to the city to get help.”

Hanna said she has since become sober, but life on the streets — and in the shelter system — has remained difficult. She recalled that the COVID-19 pandemic was particularly isolating, as even the unhoused avoided gathering out of fear of contracting the virus. In the years since, she said, people sleeping in Union Square have formed a close-knit community.

Although Hanna explained that she is often ignored or scolded by passersby when asking for spare change, she said fellow homeless individuals have shared what little money they have to help her buy food.

She added that each cart at the southwest corner belongs to someone living there, and the homeless work together to keep the area clean and prevent it from becoming what she called an “eyesore.” At night, however, they spread out their belongings to create space to sleep.

Despite the hardships of living outdoors, Hanna said she found the city’s shelter system even more dangerous.

“When you go to sleep in the shelter, you don’t know who’s gonna punch you in the mouth and take your stuff because it’s already happened. Another time, I was sleeping and at 2 o’clock in the morning, something kicked my bed. And when I woke up, there was a girl that had a blade to my face, and she said, ‘You see how quick I can get you?’ I looked in the corner, and the security guard was sleeping with his hat pulled down,” Hanna said. “I woke up in the morning and left.”

According to the Department of Homeless Services, the agency has taken steps to improve safety inside homeless shelters, while also approving plans to open new facilities, which they say were held up by the Adams administration. A DHS spokesperson also said that outreach workers have been paying close attention to the Union Square area.     

“The area around Union Square is of critical focus for the Department of Homeless Services. DHS outreach teams are canvassing the area weekly, and so far they have connected 5 New Yorkers to shelter. This administration is focused on connecting homeless New Yorkers to shelter, medical care, and the services they need to move into permanent, stable housing. Our work is centered around making sure every New Yorker has a pathway to stability and a permanent home,” a spokesperson said.

Dylan Ubiles, who is also part of the Union Square community, said violence on the streets has become a reality for many people experiencing homelessness.
Dylan Ubiles, who is also part of the Union Square community, said violence on the streets has become a reality for many people experiencing homelessness.Photo by Dean Moses

Ubiles made headlines in 2021 after he was stabbed in the chest while sleeping on a bench. He said the attack stemmed from an earlier argument with another man. According to Ubiles, NYPD Officer Ronald Kennedy used a bag of potato chips to seal the wound until emergency medical personnel arrived, helping save his life.

“It was the mother of my daughter, she had a boyfriend. I was sleeping across from Lincoln. The cop got a lot of recognition. I have been through a lot,” Ubiles said.

Ubiles said many New Yorkers become frustrated by the presence of homeless encampments but do not realize the impact of city cleanups.

“I had my bag and I literally turned around, and sanitation threw my whole bag into the truck. I chased the garbage truck. They knew it was mine. They really knew it,” Ubiles said, adding that he lost his state identification and other personal belongings.

amNewYork reached out to the Union Square Partnership for comment and is awaiting a response.
Jacquelyn Hanna said she is a prime example of this, moving to New York City from Long Island about five years ago after becoming addicted to heroin.Photo by Dean Moses