COVID-19 is driving New York City’s record homelessness figures, advocates say

The COVID-19 pandemic is fueling New York City’s homeless crisis to record numbers, according to local advocates. The Campaign 4 NY/NY Housing said more than 20,000 single adults were sleeping in shelters — more than any time in history.

Between May and August, the group said the mortality rate for homeless individuals who died of coronavirus was 78% higher than the citywide average. “If there is one thing the pandemic has taught us, it is that housing is health care. Our homeless neighbors need the safety and stability of a home,” said Giselle Routhier, policy director of Coalition for the Homeless.