Volunteers with Saxon/Hart tried to help those in need during frigid temperatures by handing out blankets at New York City's Port Authority Bus Terminal and were shocked when authorities turned them away:“When we got to Port Authority we were told we can’t give them out because they don’t want the homeless to get too comfortable there,” Saxon/Hart spokeswoman Michelle Tolson told 1010 WINS.
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“We weren’t trying to make people more comfortable in the station, we just wanted people to not freeze,” Tolson said. “There have been deaths because of these awful temperatures and that’s what we’re trying to do is just help people that are stuck on the street.”
The Port Authority has issued a statement: “The Port Authority is committed to assisting the homeless and has worked with Urban Pathways and other leading service providers for nearly 20 years at the Bus Terminal to ensure that homeless and at-risk New Yorkers have the housing, services and support they need. We appreciate Saxon/Hart’s willingness to help and we will meet with them and Urban Pathways to see how Saxon can best compliment Urban Pathway’s efforts and ensure that all New Yorkers are kept warm during this bitter cold season.” No good deed goes unpunished.