Long Island is facing a significant rise in its homeless population, with new data indicating housing instability is at the highest level in almost two decades.
According to the Long Island Homeless Coalition, projections suggest that over 4,500 individuals will be homeless across Nassau and Suffolk counties by 2025. This marks a 13% increase from 2024, representing the highest figures recorded since 2007.
“Many families entering homelessness during this time have been working yet still unable to afford their rent,” Mike Giuffrida, the coalition’s vice president, commented on these findings.
Giuffrida explained that a backlog of evictions, which had been paused during the pandemic, has contributed to this surge. However, he believes that a significant factor is the increasing number of middle-aged and older residents who can no longer afford to live in the area.
“It’s concerning to see seniors becoming homeless for the first time, which plays a crucial role in this overall increase,” Giuffrida noted. He added that the elderly population experiencing homelessness on Long Island has been steadily rising, largely due to escalating rental prices.
The data revealed a staggering 35% increase in homelessness among those aged 45 to 54—the highest rate of any demographic. Furthermore, the number of individuals aged 55 and older grew from about 670 in 2024 to 825 last year, indicating a rise of over 22%.
Interestingly, children make up a substantial portion of the homeless demographic, accounting for 32% of the total—close to 1,500 out of the 4,500 reported homeless individuals.
As challenges grow, local leaders and non-profit organizations are stepping up efforts to tackle this urgent issue. Last month, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman collaborated with the Mary Brennan Inn, Long Island’s largest soup kitchen, to provide pet food for the animals of homeless individuals who visit for meals.
Earlier, Blakeman also allocated $20 million towards converting the abandoned Long Beach Motor Inn—previously known for drug use and prostitution—into housing for veterans in need.
In Suffolk County, officials from the Department of Social Services are proactively reaching out to those in need, visiting homeless camps and other locales where unsheltered individuals tend to gather. “No one should have to face homelessness or hunger. With the extreme cold, it’s vital that we do everything we can to ensure people have warmth and shelter,” stated Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine.
