Central New York is dealing with an intensifying housing crisis, with high living costs, low wages, and mental health struggles contributing to alarming rates of homelessness in Cayuga, Onondaga, and Oswego counties.
Since the beginning of 2023, there has been a staggering 30% increase in homelessness across these regions, shedding light on the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
Hunter Hendrix, a local resident, empathizes with the struggles of the homeless population, recognizing the difficulty in breaking the cycle of poverty.
“It’s more so that people can’t get the means to get a job to get themselves a home. I cannot see somebody who is homeless and down on their luck ever finding their way out,” Hendrix said.
While the housing crisis is pervasive across Central New York, Syracuse stands out as one of the more prevalent areas for homelessness.
Local resident Tony Washington points out the apparent discrepancy between Syracuse’s reputation and the reality on its streets.
“There’s homeless people all over Syracuse, and it’s only getting worse because I don’t think the problem is being addressed. How is Syracuse number 1 for child poverty in the United States, but yet it seems to be such a great amazing place to raise a family,” Washington said.
Central New York’s local city governments are actively seeking ways to address and improve the housing crisis with homelessness rates continuing to rise.
