As a state senator deeply committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis, I have long advocated for comprehensive housing solutions that tackle both the immediate needs of our residents and the long-term systemic production challenges we face. My plan to create and preserve one million homes across the city over the next 10 years is a testament to this commitment. However, while we work diligently to increase housing supply, we must also confront the urgent reality that continues to create homelessness affecting far too many New Yorkers today.
Recent data from the State Comptroller’s office paints a stark picture. Between January 2022 to January 2024, homelessness in New York more than doubled. Alarmingly, nearly a third of New York’s homeless population are children under the age of 18, one of the highest shares in the nation. The number of homeless children has surged from 20,299 in 2022 to 50,773 in 2024. Moreover, people experiencing homelessness in 2024 were disproportionately Hispanic or Black. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent individuals and families in our communities who lack the basic human right of shelter.
While building new housing is essential, we must immediately implement measures to assist those currently without homes and those at risk of losing their homes. The Housing Access Voucher Program (HAVP) offers a pragmatic and compassionate solution. My Senate colleagues and I have proposed allocating $250 million in the state budget to HAVP, funds that will provide crucial rental assistance to thousands of individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of eviction, enabling them to secure stable housing now.
The urgency of this moment is further heightened by looming federal cuts to rental assistance programs. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has warned that nearly 8,000 New York City households relying on federal rental aid could lose their support as the Trump Administration cuts funding to Emergency Housing Vouchers, allocated as part of the American Rescue Plan. These cuts would force thousands of families onto the streets, escalating our homelessness crisis to catastrophic levels. At a time when federal housing support is in jeopardy, New York must step up to protect our neighbors. Investing in HAVP is not just a stopgap measure –– it’s a necessary safeguard against an impending disaster.
HAVP is designed to be flexible and responsive, allowing recipients to use vouchers for housing in both the private market and existing affordable housing developments. This approach not only addresses the immediate need for shelter but also promotes economic diversity within our communities. Furthermore, by reducing the number of individuals in shelters, we can alleviate the strain on our emergency housing systems and allocate resources more effectively.
Investing in HAVP is not just a moral imperative and a reflection of our shared values; it is fiscally responsible. Stable housing leads to better health outcomes, improved educational attainment for children, and increased employment opportunities. By preventing homelessness, we reduce the long-term costs associated with emergency medical care, law enforcement, and other social services.
As we continue to pursue long-term strategies to expand New York’s housing stock, we must not lose sight of the immediate needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Funding the Housing Access Voucher Program at $250 million is a critical step toward ensuring that every New Yorker has a place to call home. I urge Governor Hochul to partner with the legislature and support this vital initiative. Together, we can address the housing crisis with both the urgency and the comprehensive planning it demands.
State Senator Zellnor Myrie represents District 20 in Albany, and is running for Mayor of New York City.