Yes, I've been in NYC with no place to stay, a few times, as a very streetwise teen. As an adult, I'd not consider being in NYC without a place to stay, I don't believe I'd likey want to set up a tent in Central Park either. Are they're any other questions you'd like to ask beyond that?

It's about 2 things.
1) It's about a faulty, failed & broken system that services the poor & needy in a miserly & miserable way, with no sight of future improvement or care.
2) It's about how an innocent, visitor, vacationer, foriegner, or other persons not intended to be "serviced by the system" could get so easily swept up into it.

It's a bit like when Senator Kennedy was refused boarding on a number of flights because he was on a 'no-fly' list intended to keep suspected terrorists or risks off airplanes. It took him a a number of attemps before he could get his name removed & he's a Senator with clout & name recognition. If it were you or me we likely never be able to fly again & no one would give a shit that our ability to travel was uncalled for.
When these miscarrages come to light it is the time to spotlight it before it goes back under cover & is only resurfaced again when the unjustice is once again repeated. If we do not jump on these flaws & correct them we are quilty of what those with a bias do say about us & they have every right to say & repeat their statements about us, and they have every reason to fear & to stay away & deceied that it's better that they visit elsewhere. We become what others think we are when it happens often enough. We become an aggressive & war mongering people when we do not stop the behavior of a few who'd give US a bad rep if we don't jump up & stop the behavior. In this day & age we are looked upon by the world in a very poor light, we don't need that light to grow dimmer still.

Barry