According to the NYTimes, there’s only 1 homeless person left in that part of New York City. Compared to the early 80’s, this is remarkable to even consider. Here’s their take:
“As long as there have been homeless people sleeping in Times Square, there have been social workers and city officials trying to persuade them to leave. In the past, the homeless were offered a free ride to one of the city’s warehouse-like shelters. These days, workers for nonprofit groups help people move into apartments, keeping track as the number of the chronically homeless in Times Square goes down. According to their records, by 2005, there were only 55. Last summer, it was down to 7. Now there is one. His name is Heavy, and he has lived on the streets of Times Square for decades.” Read the article here