The number of children in New York City’s shelters has reach an all-time high—nearly 17,000. And yet, for the first time in three decades, the Bloomberg administration has no plan to help families move from shelter to permanent housing.

Send the following letter to Mayor Bloomberg right now, asking him to use what we know works – permanent, affordable housing – to fight the homelessness crisis he created. Ask him to immediately being using one in three available NYCHA public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers to help homeless families and individuals move from shelters to permanent housing.

Dear Mayor Bloomberg:

Our homeless kids are facing challenges beyond their years. They’re commuting long hours from shelter to school, experiencing the trauma of not having a home, and falling behind in school as a result.

In light of record child homelessness in New York City, it’s time to use solutions we know work. I urge you to take immediate action to allow homeless families to access permanent housing resources by setting aside one in three NYCHA public housing apartments and Section 8 vouchers for homeless families and individuals. Research has consistently shown that federal housing assistance—like public housing and Section 8 vouchers—is effective in reducing family homelessness. Moreover, it saves taxpayers a bundle.

In the midst of this homelessness crisis and the difficult budget choices that lie ahead, this is the fiscally responsible and most effective approach to addressing family homelessness. Again, I urge you to more effectively help our homeless children and families by allowing them to access one in three available federal housing resources.

Thank you.

Click here to send your letter!