SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A new fence put up outside the Rescue Mission in Syracuse is drawing a lot of criticism from those who live around it. While the city says it’s a step toward curbing violence and drug activity, many experiencing homelessness say it’s isolating them from the city, from help, and from each other.

The chain-link fence went up this week along Dickerson Street, a troubled area that connects the Rescue Mission to downtown Syracuse. The city, working alongside police and public works crews, says it’s part of a public safety initiative meant to keep drugs and other criminals away from the area’s most vulnerable residents.

But some say the fence feels less like protection and more like punishment.

The Rescue Mission is Syracuse’s largest homeless shelter. Dickerson Street, whic

See Full Page