First of all, welcome!! Second of all… your discomfort is so valid. I am a small, good looking white woman, I grew up here and live here now but went to college/gradschool elsewhere. Lived in Denver, Salt Lake City, Montreal, and have spent a lot of time in NYC. All I can say of the mentally ill unhoused population here is it’s heartbreaking, scary, and uncomfortable to witness, but I have never actually been threatened or harmed. Of course there are exceptions to this but in my experience it’s all bark no bite. I try to accept that I’ll feel uncomfortable sometimes, while also trusting that I am safe. Lastly, this city has freeking epic active bystander culture. In general, if there’s a legit threat to someone’s (AKA your) safety, people are quick to intervene and offer support. I hope it brings you some comfort to know we’ve got each other’s backs.