The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on homelessness. The pandemic has led to job losses, business closures, and economic uncertainty, all of which have made it more difficult for people to afford housing. In addition, the pandemic has made it more difficult for people to access the services and support needed to avoid homelessness, such as job training programs and mental health services as mentioned in our last posting.
The number of homeless people in New York City has increased significantly since the start of the pandemic. In 2020, the city’s Department of Homeless Services counted over 58,000 homeless people, up from over 55,000 in 2019. In 2023, Statistics show that there are over 91,000 homeless individuals and families living in New York City including over 21,000 homeless children. The increase in homelessness is likely due to the factors mentioned above, as well as the closure of many shelters during the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it more difficult for homeless people to access the services and support that they need. Many shelters have been closed or have reduced their capacity, making it more difficult for homeless people to find a place to stay. In addition, many job training programs and mental health services have been disrupted or have moved online, making it more difficult for homeless people to access these services.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the whole world, but especially the homeless people. The pandemic has made it more difficult for homeless people to afford housing and access the services and support that they need. The increase in homelessness is a serious concern, and it is important to take steps to address this issue.
There are a number of things that can be done to address the impact of COVID-19 on homelessness. One important step is to increase the availability of affordable housing. The city of New York has made some progress in this area, but more needs to be done. Another important step is to provide rental assistance to low-income individuals and families. This would help people afford housing that they would otherwise not be able to afford.
In addition to providing housing assistance, it is also important to provide other services to homeless people. These services include job training, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment. These services can help homeless people get back on their feet and avoid homelessness in the future.
On Jan 31, 2023, Major Legislation was Approved by Senate Housing Committee to Address the Statewide Homelessness Crisis.
