Homeless man lived for months in a tree shack in a New York park

The homeless man settled on the branches and turned a massive tree in a Manhattan park into his abode. The man lived there for several months, reports New York Post.

Frequent visitors to Riverbank Park in Upper Manhattan the unidentified man, who appears to be in his early 30s, is said to have long been living in a shack on the branches at a height of about 9 meters. The tree chosen by him is located next to the railway track, where there are not very many curious observers.

“I think he feels more secure than if he were lying on the ground. In a way, I even admire it,” said Daniel Hobbs, 47, a local resident.

The man easily climbs up the branches to his shack and descends. He usually leaves his home to earn money by collecting and donating cans and bottles, witnesses said.

On the subject: MTA is looking for those who want to take the homeless from the subway to shelters at night

One of the residents of the area noted: “He holds his hands on the branches, sways and goes down. He looks very strong, he's definitely in good shape." She added that food cartons and other rubbish often lie under the tree.

“Sometimes towels or pants hang from the branches,” she said.

According to the woman, she told park workers about the man, but they apparently didn't want to get involved because they feel he's "harmless" and just one of many who live in the park.

His shack was first noticed in late autumn, when the leaves had fallen. Although it is likely that he lived in the park before that, but his sleeping place was hidden by leaves.

The resourceful homeless man refused to communicate with journalists.

The authorities' response

Mayor Eric Adams, who wants to clear the city of homeless tents, was shocked when he saw a photo of a man in a tree.

“People shouldn't live like this. It's not what we want," Adams said, stunned.

In January 2021, there were an estimated 1100 people living in the parks and streets of New York, although there are likely more.

Many homeless people living on the streets, in parks and on subway trains tend to be afraid to go to shelters because of long-standing safety and sanitation problems there. In addition, many shelters do not offer homeless mental health services that most need.