He was ensnared in a homeless encampment in Ithaca, New York and then disappeared in an episode of violence. The encampment, known as “the Jungle,” is located behind big-box stores and has become a notorious fixture in the city. It is a place where people who are disenfranchised, addicted, and mentally ill find refuge. The Jungle is a lawless community, plagued by drug addiction and homelessness, and it poses a challenge for the city’s progressive policies. Recent visits to the Jungle reveal a landscape of discarded items, stolen bicycles, and burnt campsites. The residents live in makeshift shelters and tents, with the constant threat of violence and fire. The article highlights the struggle of communities across the country to find a solution to homelessness and its associated problems.
