Homelessness is an epidemic that is consuming New Yorkers and their city, due to a lack of policy response by lawmakers. For a city that promises a universal “right to shelter,” this is not guaranteed for its people. About one in 106 New Yorkers are homeless, or roughly 80,000 of the city’s population. Additionally, out of the 132,600 people that slept in the city’s shelters, almost 45,000 were children. If we can not afford to house our future, how do we expect our society to grow and develop?

The main cause of this homelessness, especially within families, is the lack of affordable housing.  Within one period, the average cost of rent per month increased by almost 40%. Due to this, New Yorkers across all boroughs have limited housing options, that also affect other basic needs (food, healthcare/health needs, clothing, etc.). 

This is further complicated by the lack of new housing being licensed by the city, especially compared with the number of jobs created. Between 2010 and 2018 there were only 0.19 housing units created for every job created, resulting in a massive disparity between the supply and demand of housing. When faced with this scarcity, housing prices naturally rise forcing more middle to low-income households out onto the streets.

New York City lawmakers must prioritize ending the homelessness crisis and work on creating a movement of affordable housing. Join us as we work to prevent and end homelessness.