Understanding the Many Ways New York City’s Homeless Population Gets Housed

It too often takes a tragedy to prompt action on homelessness.

One such event took place last week. What will come of it remains to be seen. On Wednesday, two toddlers, aged 1 and 2, were burned to death in Hunts Point, according to authorities, when a radiator valve popped off and engulfed the room where they were napping in steam.

In a sober news conference after viewing the apartment, Mayor Bill de Blasio called the situation “an unprecedented accident.”