A recent report from New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli reveals a stark increase in homelessness across the state. Between January 2022 and January 2024, the number of individuals experiencing homelessness more than doubled in New York, a significantly higher increase than the national average of 21% during the same period. The report identifies the arrival of asylum seekers in New York City as the primary driver of this surge.

Comptroller DiNapoli expressed concern over the growing number of New Yorkers facing housing insecurity, highlighting the alarming rise in homelessness in recent years. While factors such as evictions, limited affordable housing options, and rising rents have contributed to the problem, the report attributes 88% of the increase in sheltered homelessness in New York City to the influx of asylum seekers.

DiNapoli emphasized the significant impact of asylum seekers on the homeless population, particularly in New York City and surrounding downstate counties. With many of the tens of thousands of arriving asylum seekers lacking stable housing, the demand for shelter services has intensified, leading to increased spending and a substantial portion of the homeless population growth.

Nationwide, homelessness reached a new peak last year, with New Yorkers accounting for 20% of the total, representing approximately 158,000 individuals. New York's homelessness rate of about 8 per 1,000 people is higher than all states except Hawaii and the District of Columbia. The surge is concentrated in New York City, which accounts for 93% of the state's homeless population.

Children under 18 represent a third of New York's homeless population, one of the highest proportions in the country. The number of homeless children has more than doubled to 50,000 between 2022 and 2024.

Comptroller DiNapoli stressed the need for increased efforts to prevent homelessness, particularly for families with children. The report mentions that Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams have both put forward affordable housing proposals in their 2025 policy addresses. New York State is also implementing a five-year, $25 billion housing plan aimed at creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes.