When discussing homelessness in New York, many think about New York City, but Long Island is rarely brought into the conversation, despite the recent increase in the homeless population. The rise in homelessness is evident as more people are seeking help and resources than ever before. It is harsh to see a community that so many people call home, be inundated with this issue. Drastic changes need to be brought about to fight this epidemic that is becoming exacerbated throughout our neighborhoods.
The homeless population in New York navigates a constant cycle of uncertainty and despair. Whether their situation is due to inadequate mental health support, abusive family situations, or economic circumstances, these forgotten people fight against unspeakable hardships.
To measure this, “The Housing and Urban Development Department” has created the Point-In-Time Count, a yearly census of all recorded homeless people. According to their website, New York State is home to 103,200 homeless people as of 2023’s PIT Count, the second largest homeless population in the nation. Of the homeless population of NYS, about 50% of them were less than 18 years old or between the ages of 25 and 34. Additionally, the total population is primarily Black (64%) and white (29%) individuals. Over 93,000 of New York’s homeless are sheltered in emergency shelters, which are designed for people who can no longer live at their previous residences.