Homelessness – Where Things Stand

Homelessness has been a social condition in our nation for many years. This article will present current statistics as well as discussion from two local agencies and a private citizen who are actively involved with solutions and interventions.

According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as of 2020, roughly 580,000 people were considered homeless in the US. Of that number, 61 percent were staying in emergency shelters or transitional housing, while 39 percent were in unsheltered locations, including the street, abandoned buildings, parks or other places not suitable for habitation.

As the US population in 2020 was approximately 331 million people, that would put the national percentage of homeless at less than one percent.

However, for the fourth consecutive year, there has been an increase in homelessness, with the problem more acute in certain regions. The five areas with the most homeless are the District of Columbia (DC), New York City, Hawaii, Oregon, and California. 47 percent of unsheltered homeless persons live in California. Boston, New York City, and DC are the cities with the most homeless.

According to Policyadvice.net, while most families with children (90 percent) were in sheltered locations, the number of unsheltered families increased by 13 percent in 2020. It is not entirely clear why the number of unsheltered families is increasing. The overall level of family homelessness was essentially the same in 2020 as in 2019.

Here are some other pertinent statistics:

• The average life expectancy of a homeless person is just 50 years
• 61 percent of homeless persons are men and boys
• 20 percent of homeless persons are kids
• New York City has one-fifth of all US sheltered homeless
• 30 percent of homeless people have mental illnesses
• 39 percent of homeless individuals in the US are African-American
• 11 percent of adult homeless are veterans
• Nearly 4 out of 10 sheltered homeless people are disabled

Mental illness is one of the most common causes of homelessness, especially among single people. With over one quarter of the homeless population struggling with mental health, there is no doubt that mental illness and homelessness are connected.

However, the more interesting question has to do with the other 70 percent who do not suffer from mental illness. Are these purely socioeconomic factors contributing to homelessness, a choice, or some other factors?

We do know that approximately 2.4 percent of homeless persons die every year, about 13,000 out of half a million. Therefore, homelessness is also a public health concern.

According to the Public Safety Department in the Town of Smithtown, they do not maintain any statistics on the homeless. Several calls to Suffolk County resulted in a referral to the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. On the County’s website, the Dept. of Social Services (DSS) does contain a link, https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Social-Services,  to apply for Temporary Housing Assistance. Persons in need of emergency housing can also apply for assistance at a local Social Services Center.

The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, https://www.addressthehomeless.org/, does contain statistics on homelessness. According to the website, the total number of people experiencing homelessness on Long Island last year was 3,050 people. According to the 2021 “Point-in-Time Count” for Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the vast majority of homeless are in sheltered locations. The site provides a very detailed breakdown on the demographics of the homeless. Nassau and Suffolk Counties are considered one region for Continuum of Care (COC) purposes and detailed demographics can be founder here.

According to Greta Guarton, Executive Director at the LI Coalition for the Homeless, their focus is on case management and outreach. This includes an Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Ms. Guarton emphasized there simply is not enough affordable housing on Long Island, and was disappointed that Governor Hochul’s plan for ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) was not favorably received and therefore dropped from the recently approved budget. She opines there is community hostility toward affordable housing, which she believes is unfounded and contributes to homelessness. On-line statistics indicate only 30 percent of affordable housing is available to people with extremely low income (ELI).

Suffolk County DSS partners with many agencies that address homelessness. One such agency is the Family Service League (FSL). According to their website,https://www.fsl-li.org/, they focus on providing emergency housing and supportive services to chronically homeless individuals and families throughout Suffolk County.

Valerie Chamberlain, assistant vice president of the FSL, explained that the FSL receives State and Federal funding, as well as local funding. They currently operate six shelters, one of which is dedicated to families. The total amount of individuals currently sheltered by FSL is approximately 470 people.

The FSL has a Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) which assists families and individuals who are either facing imminent risk of homelessness or are currently homeless. Services provided include help with rent and utility arrears, landlord-tenant negotiation, legal services, housing relocation, ongoing case management and referrals to additional community resources. The goal is to provide permanent housing.

While the FSL shelters are currently at or near capability, the County has other established partner agencies which can provide services. There are 30-40 agencies associated with the Suffolk County DSS involved with homeless services.

Ms. Chamberlain pointed out the various causes of homelessness, including socioeconomic issues such as foreclosures, mental illness, disability or any combination of these issues. Substance abuse is another factor and it can be a daunting task to overcome life-altering conditions while attempting to become self-sufficient. Greta Guarton at the LI Coalition for the Homeless agreed that both mental health and substance abuse are tremendous challenges. Even a condition such as claustrophobia can deter someone from entering a shelter, says Ms. Guarton. Per policy, individuals who are alcoholics or addicted to drugs are not eligible to enter a shelter. This can contribute to the number of unsheltered individuals. Also, those who are undocumented are not eligible to be housed in a shelter.

Statistics on
Policyadvice.net
indicate that 38 percent of the homeless suffer from alcohol abuse and 26 percent from drug abuse. Safety protocols at the shelters are strictly enforced for everyone’s safety.

Based on Long Island’s population in 2021 of 2,823,237 people, the percentage of homeless is approximately .10 percent, consistent with the national average.

One person who is making a huge impact in Suffolk County is Sherene Parisi. For the past 30 years, Sherene has graciously offered apartments to sheltered families in her many rental properties. Working with Section 8 and other public funding, Sherene, who owns her owner real estate office, has housed close to 100 families. “It is particularly challenging, however, due to the myriad of local regulations and compliance,” says Sherene. When asked why she chose this commitment, she only offered “that could be me.”

It appears that Long Island has a sufficient intake, infrastructure, emergency assistance and case management to manage the homeless, although Ms. Guarton admitted “it’s not perfect and people can fall through the cracks.” Dealing with the underlying causes, such as mental illness and substance abuse, remains a huge challenge. There is also the aforementioned lack of affordable housing, especially for persons with ELI.

On the national level, it is difficult to understand why the District of Columbia, New York City, Hawaii, Oregon and California have a rate of homelessness several times higher than the national average. Indeed, the District of Columbia has a homeless rate that is 5.8 times higher.

To answer that question, one would have to study the homeless population of a particular area, such as NYC or DC, and speak to local government officials and agencies who are actively engaged in the issue.

The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless has a “boutique” resource center in Amityville where people can donate clothing, non-perishable food, new bedding and pillows, personal care items, toiletries and more. Similarly, the Family Service League has a tab on its website for volunteering, donating or fundraising.