Homelessness nearly doubles in blue state in just 2 years: report

The issue of homelessness in New York, a blue state, has significantly worsened in just two years, according to a recent report by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. Dinapoli. The report, released on Wednesday, highlights a troubling trend in the state.

Between January 2022 and January 2024, homelessness in New York more than doubled, which is a stark contrast to the rest of the country where there was only a 21 percent increase. The sudden surge in homelessness in the Empire State has been attributed to the large influx of asylum seekers into New York City.

Dinapoli expressed concern over the growing housing insecurity among New Yorkers, noting a distressing rise in homelessness in recent years. The impact of this trend is particularly alarming, reflecting a challenging situation for many individuals and families in the state.

While the crisis was partially driven by eviction proceedings, lack of affordable housing and increased rent, asylum seekers accounted for 88 percent of the increase in sheltered homelessness in New York City, according to the report.

While U.S. homelessness has overall reached a new peak last year, New Yorkers reportedly account for 20% of it at 158,000 people. The state’s rate of homelessness, at about 8 per 1,000 people, was higher than every state except for Hawaii and the District of Columbia.

The spike in New York’s homelessness was also mainly driven by New York City, which accounted for 93% of the state’s total number of homeless.

Additionally, children under the age of 18 made up a third of the state’s homeless population, one of the highest shares in the nation. The number of homeless children has more than doubled between the two years to 50,000 people. 

homeless person on sidewalk lying

A homeless person lies on the sidewalk in New York on Dec. 27, 2024. (Selcuk Acar/Anadolu)

DiNapoli said more needs to be done to help keep people in their homes, especially households with children.  

According to the report, New York Gov. Kathey Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams have announced affordable housing proposals in their recent 2025 policy addresses.

New York state is also currently implementing a five-year $25 billion housing plan “to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes,” according to the Office of Budget Policy and Analysis.

You May Also Like
Did the Mouse Just Blink? Disney Reportedly Drops Two DEI Programs As Investor Backlash Grows

Disney Reportedly Cancels Two DEI Programs Amid Rising Investor Criticism

While selecting the main image for this article, I pondered about Walt…
Pope Francis rebukes Trump administration over migrant deportations, warns 'it will end badly'

“Pope Francis Criticizes Trump Administration for Migrant Deportations, Cautions of Negative Consequences”

ROME — In a significant statement, Pope Francis criticized the Trump administration’s…
China expands influence near wealthy Florida enclave as migrants from communist country flood into US

Chinese migrants are increasingly residing near wealthy Florida area as China’s influence grows within the US.

China may be on the verge of gaining access to Florida’s coast…
Florida 'brothel' allegedly run by illegal immigrants shut down after victim's desperate phone call

Florida authorities closed down a ‘brothel’ supposedly operated by undocumented immigrants following a distressed call from a victim.

Two Guatemalan individuals who entered the country illegally are facing charges related…
Nancy Mace makes stunning accusations of rape and sex trafficking in 'scorched earth' House floor speech

Nancy Mace delivers powerful allegations of sexual assault and human trafficking in passionate speech on House floor

Rep. Nancy Mace delivered an astonishing speech on the floor of the…
R.I.P. Peter Navy Tuiasosopo: ‘NCIS,’ ‘Street Fighter’ Actor Dead At 61

Actor from ‘NCIS’ and ‘Street Fighter,’ Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, passes away at age 61

Veteran television and film star Peter Navy Tuiasosopo, known for Street Fighter…
Bizarre twist in Chinese spy balloon saga as its contents are finally revealed

Unexpected development in the story of the Chinese spy balloon reveals its contents

A bizarre twist in the Chinese spy balloon saga has finally revealed…
Israel slams Palestinian 'deception scheme' over claim it halted terror rewards program

Israel criticizes Palestinians for alleged deceit in ending program that rewards terrorists

JERUSALEM—The president of the Palestinian Authority (PA) has reportedly given in to…
Andrew Tate, brother Tristan sued for allegedly sex trafficking American woman to foreign country

Andrew Tate’s brother Tristan facing lawsuit for allegedly trafficking American woman for sex in another country

A woman from the United States is taking legal action against Andrew…
Chicago grand jury returns indictment against high-ranking affiliate of violent Sinaloa Cartel: DOJ

DOJ: Chicago grand jury charges top Sinaloa Cartel member

A prominent member of a violent Mexican drug cartel is looking at…
‘Severance’s Tramell Tillman Reveals Which “Woe’s Hollow” Scene Nearly Made Him Break Character: “I Almost Lost It”

The actor Tramell Tillman from “Severance” shares the emotional scene from “Woe’s Hollow” that almost caused him to lose his composure.

Tramell Tillman, who plays Seth Milchick in Season 2 of Severance, is…
Pilot walks away unscathed after small plane crashes near Hampton Airfield in New Hampshire

Pilot safely exits with no injuries after small plane accident near Hampton Airfield in New Hampshire

A pilot walked away unharmed after a small plane crashed near Hampton…