Honest Talk About a Profound Problem: How New York City is Taking Strong Steps to Help the Homeless

The Daily News Editorial Board, pointing to recent conflict, wrongfully asserted that my administration has made shelters too accessible — yet offered no real proposal on how to protect those on the edge of homelessness. Unfortunately, this position has consequences that are more than theoretical: It undermines our work to move vulnerable New Yorkers from the streets, to shelter and then to permanent, affordable housing.

In fact, homelessness started growing rapidly in 2011 when the former city administration and the state stopped providing rental assistance. Anyone trying to rent an apartment since that time knows the truth: Rents have skyrocketed, but incomes have not. That’s why last year half a million households fell behind on the rent. That’s why one in three families who rent pay more than half their earnings on housing costs.