Over 350,000 New Yorkers face homelessness, with around 5,000 living on the streets, a crisis not seen since the 1930s. Individuals like Chris Gerrit endure harsh winters, often opting for subway shelters or sleeping outdoors to avoid crowded shelters. The soaring rental prices exacerbate the situation, as seen in the case of Christopher Tucker, who, despite steady employment, struggles to secure housing. Mayor Eric Adams has initiated a €630 million plan to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for more apartments.
Over 350,000 residents in New York City are without stable housing, with approximately 5,000 individuals living on the streets. The level of homelessness has reached a peak not seen since the 1930s. How do these vulnerable individuals endure the harsh winter months?
Chris Gerrit feels a profound sense of despair. In the exorbitantly priced housing market of New York, locating an apartment or even a simple room seems like an impossible dream for him.
Having faced homelessness for more than a decade, the ongoing inflation crisis has only exacerbated his struggles. Now in his mid-40s, Chris appears to have surrendered to the harsh reality of street life.
To shield himself from the frigid winter temperatures, he sometimes seeks refuge in the subway system, provided that the police don’t evict him. On other nights, he resorts to sleeping on a makeshift bed of cardboard and blankets in Central Park, choosing this over the chaotic environment of a homeless shelter.
‘There are many unstable individuals in close proximity,’ Chris recounts from his experiences. ‘I’d rather endure the cold alone than be surrounded by that. It’s incredibly difficult for me. The shelter feels too much like a prison—it’s a place I have no desire to be.’
Official statistics reveal a staggering 105,000 children in New York are homeless.
Years of Endurance
Chris has battled addiction to crack cocaine for years and has been incarcerated multiple times as a result. His ongoing mental health challenges require medications that are often hard to access.
‘With the right medications, I could work and earn an income. That might help me secure a room and a roommate,’ he expresses.
350,000 Without a Home
Approximately 5,000 individuals are currently living on the streets. In total, 350,000 New Yorkers lack a permanent residence, either staying in shelters or relying on friends and acquaintances. This crisis is unprecedented across the United States.
The core issue lies in the skyrocketing rental prices that continue to escalate yearly, pushing more people into dire circumstances or even onto the streets in major urban centers. The current average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in New York is around €4,000 per month.
By the end of 2024, the rate of price increases in the U.S. has surged once more. Yet, there’s an unexpected twist.
Struggling to Afford Housing
An increasing number of individuals are finding themselves unable to afford a home due to rapidly rising costs, despite having a steady income. Take Christopher Tucker, for example.
At 31 years old and hailing from the Bronx, he has resided in a homeless shelter for the past two years, even while holding a job as a security guard. After experiencing a breakup, he fell into a deep depression. ‘People often assume that homeless individuals are only those with substance abuse or mental health issues,’ he asserts in frustration. ‘That’s simply not accurate.’
Christopher had an opportunity for a housing subsidy, but it was ultimately denied: ‘When I was refused an apartment, I felt like giving up entirely. That apartment could have changed my life. I’m still young, without children, and have a future ahead of me.’
City’s Efforts to Assist
Today, those who find themselves homeless or without housing in New York have various rights. These include access to a bed in shelters, food stamps, and a monthly allowance of €177.
Moreover, numerous soup kitchens provide free, warm meals. Nevertheless, many still find themselves in a seemingly hopeless situation.
Recently, Mayor Eric Adams unveiled a €630 million initiative aimed at tackling the issues of homelessness and housing shortages.
His plan includes establishing facilities for individuals with mental health challenges and creating additional shelter beds for the homeless. ‘When I took office, I promised that the days of people living on our streets and in the subway would come to an end,’ he stated.
The bitter cold of winter can pose life-threatening risks for the homeless, prompting the need for innovative solutions, such as container housing in other cities.
Is More Housing the Key?
The mayor has enlisted the advice of former homeless individuals. One of them, Shams DaBaron, brings invaluable insights from his own experiences. After spending over 40 years on the streets, he eventually secured his own apartment and now aims to assist others.
‘Ultimately, building more apartments is the solution to homelessness. It’s far more effective than simply increasing the number of shelters,’ Shams argues. New York is currently in the midst of a historic construction phase for new apartments. ‘We’re making progress, but the demand still outweighs the supply. There’s much work still to be done.’
Chris Gerrit has found a temporary sleeping spot beneath a bridge in Central Park, where the minus three degrees Celsius feels more tolerable than a crowded homeless shelter. He emphasizes the urgent need for better medical care and housing solutions—two critical issues the city aims to tackle this year.
This topic was reported by Deutschlandfunk on January 17, 2025, at 05:40 AM.