Bronx Residents Complain About RVs Used as Homes by Homeless
An eyesore corridor in the Bronx has become a makeshift home for individuals living in RVs, trucks, and trailers, with residents expressing frustration over the growing encampment.
A stretch of Webster Avenue in the Bronx, referred to by locals as the “Boulevard of Broken Dreams,” has become a persistent issue for residents due to a growing number of homeless individuals living in RVs, trucks, and trailers. The situation, which has been a problem for at least two years, has drawn complaints from the community, with some residents deeming it an "eyesore."
The encampment began to grow during the COVID-19 pandemic and has persisted despite city efforts to tow abandoned vehicles. Residents have noted the continued presence of these occupied vehicles, even as unoccupied cars have been removed.
"It looks whack," said Williamsbridge resident Alex Ramos. "I see them every day. It’s weird. Cops came and swept up all the cars that were abandoned, so I assume that’s why they haven’t taken those because people live in them."
Those living in the vehicles cite New York City's high rents as the primary driver for their situation. They describe a difficult choice between living on the streets, seeking shelter in city facilities, or residing in their vehicles.
Rita Freeman, who has been living in her RV since November 2025, stated, "We need housing. I mean, this is absurd. This is bizarre. There’s so many of us." She recounted attempting to stay in hotels and maxing out her credit card to avoid shelters and the streets, which she described as dangerous.
Another resident, Camille, explained that shelters do not permit pets, forcing her and others with animals to live in their vehicles. "None of us can afford the apartments they have, and they want you to go into a shelter," she said. "They don’t let you into a shelter with dogs or cats. I have three dogs."
Camille, who works as a dog walker and pet sitter, has been living in her RV for six months and is on a waiting list for an apartment after rising rent in Westchester County forced her from her previous home. "Where do you want us to go?" she asked.
Similar encampments have been observed in other parts of New York City, including a large vehicle encampment near Citi Field in Queens and another cluster of RVs along Bronx Boulevard. Temporary tent encampments have also appeared near the Intrepid Museum on Manhattan's West Side, prompting calls for city intervention.