Question
How does homelessness affect New York City?
Answer
Homelessness in New York City is a multifaceted issue impacting various aspects of urban life, from housing policies to public health and social services. The city’s homelessness crisis is the largest since the Great Depression, with significant implications for both individuals experiencing homelessness and the broader community.
Key Impacts of Homelessness in New York City
Housing and Shelter Challenges: New York City has seen a significant increase in homelessness, with over 62,590 people in shelters as of 2019, predominantly affecting Black and Latinx populations. Women with children constitute a large portion of this demographic (Santiago, 2021). The city’s legal right to shelter mandates have not necessarily translated into permanent housing solutions, often resulting in prolonged shelter stays (Santiago, 2021).
Policy and Siting Issues: There is a debate over the best approach to siting homeless shelters, with proposals ranging from a borough-based approach to a fair share distribution across the city. This reflects broader tensions in addressing homelessness through local versus city-wide strategies (Halimi, 2020).
Public Health and Social Services: Homeless individuals, particularly those with HIV, face challenges in accessing consistent healthcare and achieving viral suppression. Housing assistance has been shown to improve health outcomes for these populations (Wiewel et al., 2023). Additionally, menstrual management is a significant issue, with many homeless individuals lacking access to necessary products and facilities (Sommer et al., 2020; Gruer et al., 2021).
Policing and Public Perception: The policing of homelessness has evolved, with terms like “homeless hotspots” reflecting a shift in enforcement strategies, often influenced by neighborhood affluence and gentrification (Goldfischer, 2020; Corinth and Finley, 2020). This has led to selective enforcement and increased complaints in more affluent areas (Corinth and Finley, 2020).
Economic and Social Factors: Economic conditions, such as housing affordability and neighborhood characteristics, play a crucial role in the risk of homelessness. Factors like mental health issues and drug use are also significant predictors (Haupert, 2021).
Homelessness in New York City is a complex issue influenced by housing policies, economic conditions, and social services. While efforts to address the crisis include shelter siting strategies and health interventions, challenges remain in achieving long-term solutions and equitable treatment across different communities. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that considers both individual needs and systemic factors.
References
Halimi, M., 2020. Siting Homeless Shelters in New York City: Fail Share Versus Borough-Based. Fordham Urban Law Journal, 47, pp. 1519.
Goldfischer, E., 2020. From encampments to hotspots: the changing policing of homelessness in New York City. Housing Studies, 35, pp. 1550 – 1567. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2019.1655532
Santiago, O., 2021. Regulating Space and Time. Critical Dialogues in Latinx Studies. https://doi.org/10.18574/nyu/9781479805198.003.0029
Corinth, K., & Finley, G., 2020. The Geography of Unsheltered Homelessness in the City: Evidence from “311” Calls in New York. Urban Research eJournal. https://doi.org/10.1111/jors.12478
Sommer, M., Gruer, C., Smith, R., Maroko, A., & Hopper, K., 2020. Menstruation and homelessness: Challenges faced living in shelters and on the street in New York City.. Health & place, 66, pp. 102431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102431
Gruer, C., Hopper, K., Smith, R., Kelly, E., Maroko, A., & Sommer, M., 2021. Seeking menstrual products: a qualitative exploration of the unmet menstrual needs of individuals experiencing homelessness in New York City. Reproductive Health, 18. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-021-01133-8
Haupert, T., 2021. Do housing and neighborhood characteristics impact an individual’s risk of homelessness? Evidence from New York City. Housing Studies, 38, pp. 1740 – 1759. https://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2021.1982874
Wiewel, E., Zhong, Y., Xia, Q., Beattie, C., Brown, P., Farquhar, P., & Rojas, J., 2023. Homelessness and housing assistance among persons with HIV, and associations with HIV care and viral suppression, New York City 2018. PLOS ONE, 18. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0285765
Abbott, M. B., 1994, Homelessness and Substance Abuse: Is Mandatory Treatment the Solution? Fordham Urban Law Journal, 22(1), available: [http://ir.lawnet.fordham.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1414&context=ulj]
Fessenden, F., 2016, A Homeless Epidemic in New York? Thousands Hit the Cold Streets to Find Out, New York Times, Available: [http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/10/21/nyregion/new-york-homeless-people.html?_r=0]
