CCC Statement: Regarding the Record Number of Homeless Children in New York City Shelters

Released July 27, 2012

This week, the number of homeless children living in New York City shelters has surpassed 18,000. The 18,047 children who slept in New York City shelters on Tuesday, July 24, 2012 represent a 22% increase from Fiscal Year 2012 and is the largest number of children living in New York City homeless shelters since the City began publishing records in the 1980s.

The dramatic increase in New York City’s homeless children is due not only to the economic downturn, but also results from the lack of a rental subsidy program and limited supply of affordable housing options to help move homeless families out of shelter. The instability and trauma of homelessness has been shown to negatively impact children’s educational success, their mental health, and overall well-being.

New York State and New York City must take immediate action to put in place policies and programs to address the rising numbers of homeless children and their families.