New Yorker Male Aquino is homeless, but until he finds a home with his new disability check he will continue to live in his cardboard box instead of seeking shelter in one of New York’s many ‘safe haven’ shelters.  Why?  Because according to Aquino the shelters are filled with drug users and alcoholics, two groups of people that he would rather freeze to death to avoid than associate with.

The problem with drug use is perfectly illustrated within the homeless shelters of New York City as drug rules and sobriety rules are not often enforced inside.  In just a simple walk through the shelters you can see everything from heroin getting shot up to men passed out with bottles of cheap liquor next to them.  This of course leads to plenty of fighting and rough housing not to mention occasionally assault and murder which is what Aquino will simply not put up with.  Additionally, since he is disabled he is well aware of the fact that he cannot fight back.

Aquino stated that he has been beat up in shelters twice which is why he now stays clear of them.  He does not a drug problem or use drugs, he just needs a job and a one room studio that he can call his own.  However, homeless men have very few opportunities in New York which is why most end up panhandling for drug money or in the case of those in the shelters, stealing their way to the next fix.

Unfortunately, most shelters in New York are well aware of the plight of men and women like Aquino and the problem with widespread drug use at all levels of the city.  However, the problem is that they are not sure what they can do to change the problem.  Instead, offering a bandage to a problem that needs much more than a clean dressing.  Without proper rehab, counseling, and regularly enforced rules those that need help will shy away and those with addiction problems will continue to spiral out of control on the streets of New York City.