That's because the encampments are not tolerated in NYC.[0] There's lots of patchwork "solutions": shelters, hotels, housing vouchers, and roaming the subways (as long as they keep moving or don't congregate too many), but not long-term encampments. It's kind of like how spreading unwanted food around on your plate makes it look as though it's been eaten - is indeed weird how it affects the perception.

http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/bronx-drug-lair-cleaned-...