In this chapter, Jacob Riis discusses the prevalence of cheap lodging-houses, and the negative impact these establishments have on the community. He begins citing police officials who refer to these places as “nurseries of crime.” The lower the price of the lodging-house, the more likely it is for crime to be common. According to Riis, immigrants flock to these parts of the city because of the low priced living costs, and in hopes of getting a start in the city. However, it becomes almost inevitable for an unsettled individual to start off in a twenty-five cent lodging-house, and end up in a ten cent lodging-house as time passes. Riis contends that these places corrupt those who stay there, and turn honest men into thieves. Furthermore, Riis uses the crowding lodging-houses as a method to put emphasis on the extremely large homeless population that existed during that time. He claims that thousands and thousands of homeless men stay in these lodging-houses nightly. In addition, to the poor living conditions, Riis asserts that these establishments are susceptible to corrupt political activity done by political bosses. Riis does not specifically mention ethnic groups in this particular chapter, but in reference to East Harlem contrasts can be made through his descriptions. Although poverty and homelessness remain to be a huge issue in East Harlem, there are more institutions and organizations that work to assist those in need, and to prevent these problems from growing. (i.e. Homeless Prevention and Housing Agency, Yorkville Common Pantry, Single Stop Center, and more)