The number of homeless families with children entering New York City shelters has risen dramatically in recent months, hitting an all-time high in November, when 9,720 families were reported in the municipal shelter system. According to figures released by the Department of Homeless Services, 1,343 new families were accepted into the shelter system last month, a 43% increase over the 935 who moved into shelters in November 2007.
Mary Brosnahan at the Coalition for the Homeless said in a statement: "The recession in New York is unfortunately just beginning, but already we have surpassed the all-time record high of family homelessness in New York City." The coalition is calling on Governor Paterson to back away from his proposal to reduce funds for homeless prevention, which comes on the heels of Mayor Bloomberg's plan to cut back on emergency shelters and other services.
According to the Times, Robert Hess, the commissioner of homeless services, said the new numbers prove the system works: "The fact that D.H.S.’s system is withstanding the test of recent high demand through difficult economic times and harsh weather conditions is evidence that the agency has successfully reformed our infrastructure and put a solid groundwork in place." Perhaps that's why last month the Department of Homeless Services forced 22 churches to stop serving as homeless shelters?
Photo courtesy Benzadrine.
