Learn the Causes of the Homelessness
The majority of street homeless folks—people who are sleeping unsheltered or in our subway system—are people living with serious and persistent mental illness and serious health problems. That's obviously an issue that needs to be addressed with supportive housing and other special needs housing.
Today, more than 20 percent of New York City households are living below the federal poverty line ($19,790 in annual income for a family of three). Renter incomes have fallen as rent costs increase. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, during the recession from 2007-2011, median apartment rents in New York City rose by 8.5 percent while median renter incomes fell by 6.8 percent.
Homeless Statistic: Over the past year, the number of homeless people sleeping each night in the New York City shelter system increased by seven percent, from 50,135 people in January 2013 to 53,615 people in January 2014, the highest level ever recorded.
Homeless Statistic: The number of homeless single adults sleeping each night in the New York City shelter system rose five percent to 11,342 women and men, a new all-time record.
Homeless Statistic: Over the course of FY 2013, more than 111,000 different New Yorkers – including more than 40,000 different children – turned to the homeless shelter system, five percent more than the previous year.
At our Times Square Drop-In Center Project FIND:
- Provides a safe space where homeless seniors can shower, get clean clothes and a meal
- Connects them with a social worker who can obtain the full spectrum of entitlements for which they are eligible
- Assesses their need for medical and mental health services with an onsite clinic
- Reconnect homeless seniors with supportive networks of family and friends
- Work with them to determine the most appropriate housing options and support them as they make the transition off life on the streets