Homelessness in New York has worsened significantly over two years, with officials citing a surge of asylum seekers as a major factor in the rising numbers.
Key Facts:
- Homelessness in New York more than doubled from January 2022 to January 2024.
- Asylum seekers account for 88% of the increase in New York City’s sheltered homeless population.
- Children under 18 make up a third of the state’s homeless, one of the highest proportions nationwide.
- New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams have both proposed measures to expand affordable housing.
The Rest of The Story:
According to a new report from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, overall U.S. homelessness rose by 21% in the same period, but New York outpaced that trend with a much larger jump.
The comptroller noted a mix of contributing factors, including eviction proceedings, a shortage of affordable housing, and higher rent prices.
The most dramatic difference comes from asylum seekers in New York City, who lacked permanent lodging upon arrival.
Their needs quickly added strain on shelter services and city budgets, leading to a record-high number of homeless individuals.
Smaller counties downstate also reported an increase in asylum seekers, though on a smaller scale than the city.
In total, 158,000 New Yorkers were considered homeless in 2024, equal to 20% of the country’s total homeless population.
Homelessness in NYS has grown sharply, more than doubling between Jan. 2022 and Jan. 2024. NY needs to examine how it’s using current housing resources while taking more action to address this urgent situation. #Homeless
Learn more: https://t.co/sGwAmtoRtW pic.twitter.com/IqdtecugJA
— Tom DiNapoli (@NYSComptroller) January 22, 2025
This startling figure puts the state’s homelessness rate near the top in the nation, surpassed only by Hawaii and the District of Columbia.
With children making up a significant share, policymakers have expressed urgency about addressing the problem.
Officials say plans are underway to construct or maintain more affordable housing.
A five-year, $25 billion plan is already in progress, aiming to create or preserve 100,000 affordable units across the state.
City and state leaders have also emphasized the importance of rental protections, supporting families, and moving homeless individuals into permanent housing.
Commentary:
This surge in homelessness shows what happens when a state can’t handle the flood of illegal arrivals.
Shelters fill up, neighborhoods face strain, and local government is left scrambling to find enough resources.
If people are here unlawfully, many believe that they should leave if they don’t have a proper place to stay.
President Trump has made it clear he would start more deportations, and that might help ease these problems.
If folks aren’t willing to follow our immigration rules, they should return home on their own.
Once these numbers go down, the state can focus on helping citizens and legal migrants who truly need a hand.
A rabbi on a New York subway gave his shoes to a barefoot homeless man who he saw on the train. pic.twitter.com/cupqUtPVt4
— Dom Lucre | Breaker of Narratives (@dom_lucre) December 30, 2024
The Bottom Line:
New York faces a steep challenge as homelessness numbers continue climbing.
Leaders hope that expanding affordable housing and improving shelter services will address the crisis.
In the meantime, the influx of asylum seekers remains a pressing concern for local communities.
Bold action will be needed to reverse these trends and help vulnerable residents.
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