Overview of homelessness in New York
In recent years, homelessness in New York City has reached some of its highest levels since the Great Depression of the 1930s. [1] As of July, 2024, over 132 thousand individuals slept in NYC homeless shelters, not accounting for the thousands sleeping in unsheltered public spaces. Over 200,000 members of the population were estimated to be temporarily doubled up in the homes of others, so the total estimate reaches nearly 350,000 homeless people, according to the Coalition for the Homeless. [1]
The number of homeless individuals residing in NYC's shelter system has skyrocketed in the past year, rising 53% in 2024 when compared to the statistics in 2023, despite efforts from Mayor Eric Adams. [2]