NY Daily News, February 23, 2022, Homelessness is a women’s issue
New York’s 22-month ban on evictions expired last month, leaving tens of thousands of New Yorkers at risk of losing their homes. A disproportionate number of these households are led by single mothers of color, and thousands of women are now scrambling to keep their children in their homes and out of the shelter system.
New York City cannot afford a tidal wave of evictions and a surge in women and children entering its shelter system. The need for transformative policy solutions to finally end family homelessness is more urgent than ever before. As the future of the pandemic remains uncertain, the stability and safety of women and children must be prioritized.
Our current rental crisis isn’t just a housing issue; it’s an equity issue. Even prior to the pandemic, almost 70% of shelter residents were represented by women with children, most of whom are families of color. There are tens of thousands more families without a home living doubled up with friends and relatives. Many are there due to domestic violence, which remains a leading driver of family homelessness in our city.
