Called Client Responsibility Standards, the intent of the new city policy is to reduce dependence on the shelter system and encourage a change in the culture for homeless individuals, officials say.

Under the new standards, shelter operators can evict residents for 30 days or more if they break the rules. The regulations require residents to stay sober and search for employment and housing.

Many homeless advocates are opposed to the new policy, saying it could force thousands of people, especially mentally ill individuals, back onto the streets. They added that the new standards would discourage the homeless from seeking help at a shelter.

"The mere prospect of eviction after 30 days will result in many individuals just saying, 'You know what, I'm just going to go to the streets,'" said Patrick Markee, a senior policy analyst at the Coalition for the Homeless.

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