Chinatown killings focus spotlight on New York's homeless

The authority acted after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo complained that people should feel safe on the subway, but often do not.

"A customer has a right-a rider has a right-not to be harassed, not to be threatened, not to be subjected to intolerable conditions. I've never seen it this bad," Cuomo said of homelessness in July. "Let's actually focus on helping the homeless, rather than political posturing."

Homeless people can be fined for committing minor offenses on the subway. But a one-year pilot plan launched by De Blasio, the mayor, seeks to change that by referring them to social services at a cost to the city of $1 million.

For many, living on the streets or elsewhere is preferable to city shelters, where they can face the threat of violence and robbery.

"I hate trying to find a place to sleep at nights," said Nicholas, 38, from New York, who declined to give his surname. "I won't go to the shelters because they're not good. They're dangerous. All the beds are right next to each other. You've got guys sleeping next to you who are on coke (cocaine). You don't know what they might do. I'm not going to those places."

He said he became homeless after losing his job 10 months ago. He started using drugs to cope with the situation, went to a treatment facility and got clean, but was then evicted from his apartment and ended up on the streets.