NYC Homeless at Highest Levels in 25 Years
This year marks the highest number of documented homeless since the city began counting in 1983
Tuesday, Dec 23, 2008 | Updated 1:31 PM EDT
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NEW YORK - MAY 02: Joe Baker, 63, smokes next to a shopping cart holding his belongings May 2, 2007 in New York City. New York City released its Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) today which concluded that unsheltered homelessness is down 15 percent from 2005. The report also showed that among the homeless, 19 percent fewer individuals are living on city streets or in parks since January 2006. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The number of homeless families staying in New York City shelters has hit its highest level in 25 years.
The Coalition for the Homeless says a record 9,720 families stayed in shelters in the month of November. That breaks a previous high of 9,500 in September 2007. It's 13 percent higher than a count of 8,607 families in May.
The coalition says it's the highest number of documented homeless families since the city began keeping count in 1983.
Homeless advocates fear the number could jump even higher if the economic turmoil in the city worsens.
City Department of Homeless Services officials say the city is equipped to handle the increase and is serving all homeless families.
Copyright Associated Press
