Home News Homelessness in New York City Homelessness in New York City Posted on July 31, 2015 by Jacquelyn Simone Here’s something that might surprise you about our city’s homeless crisis, as we’re reaching numbers not seen in more than 80 years: Close to a third of all homeless families are in fact employed, but their low wages can’t keep up with the steep rise in rents, so there’s no real relief in sight. That puts the onus on the government.