Cruise ships may house NY homeless

Homelessness is on the rise in New York City

New York City may convert retired cruise ships into shelters for its rising numbers of homeless people.

They're looking at options that would provide safe and appropriate shelter to the homeless

City official

City officials, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg's commissioner of homeless services, have flown to the Bahamas to inspect disused ships.

They say the idea of using them was just one option being considered - but critics say the plan is unnecessary, and have called on the city to provide affordable housing for those in need.

Last month, a record 37,000 homeless people were sleeping in city shelters every night according to the Coalition for the Homeless, which compiles statistics for the city.

'Outlandish'

City officials stressed that it is too early to speculate on how the cruise-ship idea might be applied in New York.

Bloomberg is struggling to contain the problem

"They're looking at options that would provide safe and appropriate shelter to the homeless, just looking to see if this may present a viable option," a spokesman for Commissioner Linda Gibbs said.

Advocates for the homeless describe the plan as outlandish.

"Studies have shown the way forward is clear - the provision of affordable, supportive housing," said Ann Duggan, from the Coalition for the Homeless. "It is simply that easy."

The city, which is bound by law to provide shelter for the homeless, has explored a number of options in recent months including converting empty convents and a former jail.

So far this year the city has worked with social service providers to set up 18 new shelters in failing hotels, in many cases angering neighbours.