The coronavirus pandemic caused an increase in the number of people who are housing insecure and living with severe mental health issues or substance use addictions gathering in and immediately around the Times Square area.
Whether it is a warm meal or a pair of shoes, Community First helps people address immediate needs and then work towards linking them to longer-term housing, services, and support. With programs like Community First, law enforcement no longer has to be the only response to mental health crises and homelessness.