Has Homelessness Decreased in NYS?
Recent data showed that homelessness in New York State decreased between 2019 and 2020. But is there more to the numbers and are we doing enough to keep them low?
The National Alliance to End Homelessness (NAEH) published data comparing changes in the number of people experiencing homelessness from 2019-2020. The data shows that, overall in New York State, the homeless population decreased by 0.9% (from 92,091 to 91,271 individuals).
The Truth Behind the Numbers
However, if we breakdown the numbers, chronic homelessness in NY actually increased by 4%. Specifically, un-sheltered individuals increased by 12.6% and single individuals increased by 2.8%. The slight decline is only driven by a 4% drop in the number of families experiencing homelessness.
Furthermore, said decline is only the result of the state’s moratorium on evictions and the Tenant Safe Harbor Act. Passed last year, the act helps families facing financial hardships due to the pandemic avoid evictions.
In addition, New York State temporarily waived some requirements of the state funded FHEPS rent voucher program and NYC expanded the CityFHEPS subsidies for nearly 3,000 families. These interventions significantly helped homelessness prevention efforts.
Only Short Term Measures
However, these are short term measures. So, one can expect a sharp increase in homelessness once these provisions are lifted. Thus, it is imperative that our elected leaders take decisive actions to keep low-income New Yorkers from being evicted.
Additionally, they must provide viable paths for currently homeless individuals and families to move into stable and permanent homes once the emergency provisions expire.
How We Can Actually Help
The Coalition for the Homeless released their annual State of the Homeless 2021 report, where they outline several recommendations that would help NYS respond to the crisis:
- Implement the Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) to create a State-funded, long-term rent subsidy for homeless and very low-income households.
- Accelerate the pace of production of the 20,000 units of supportive housing pledged by the Governor in 2016 by completing them by 2026 instead of 2031, and fully fund the construction and operation of the remaining 14,000 units.
Ensure effective reentry planning for individuals released from State prisons. Identify viable housing options prior to each individualโs scheduled release date. - Raise the rent levels for CityFHEPS rent vouchers to Section 8 payment standards and eliminate the benefits cliff (Intro 146).
To see the full list of recommendations from the Coalition for the Homeless, click below.
