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Estimates find 3.4 million New York renters are left out of the state's new

Monday, April 22, 2024

Advocates: NY budget erodes tenant, housing protections

New York State housing advocates say they are furious about the so-called "good cause eviction bill" in the new state budget. It grants tenant …

A New York University report recommended lawmakers establish a statewide rental registry system, which could create more transparency in the rental market by forcing landlords to report rents and annual increases. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY should evaluate pros, cons of 'good cause' eviction

As New York housing advocates demand state lawmakers pass a bill to keep landlords from evicting renters without "good cause," a new report cautioned …

A Regional Plan Association report found across the country, rural communities could lose 100,000 affordable homes in the next decade once USDA Section 515 loans are paid off. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY affordable housing needs funding

A new report outlined the need to preserve rural New York's affordable rental housing. The report from the Regional Plan Association report showed …

A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report finds, in households that frequently incurred overdraft fees, 81% had difficulty paying a bill in the last year. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed overdraft-fees rule would benefit NYers

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is proposing a rule on overdraft fees that would benefit New Yorkers. The rule closes a loophole exempting …

Data from the Pew Charitable Trusts showed higher rates of homelessness in New York can be found in areas with the highest rents. (Adobe Stock)

NY advocates call out state for mishandling the housing crisis

New York housing advocates feel the state is not taking the affordable housing crisis seriously. The recent budget proposal and State of the State …

A Marist Poll found 71% of rural New Yorkers think the state is not providing enough resources to address the lack of affordable housing. (Adobe Stock)

NYS budget proposal doesn’t address rural housing needs

Gov. Kathy Hochul's 2025 budget proposal is missing key funding priorities for rural housing, according to a coalition advocating for the issue…

More than 20 million people live in manufactured homes in the United States, according to Census Data, which makes up about 6% of all housing stock in the nation. (Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services)

Manufactured homes could be key to rural NY’s housing issues

A solution to rural New York's housing problems could lie in manufactured homes. A 2023 report found manufactured homes comprise around 2.5% of New …

Kingston was the first municipality in New York to adopt rent control in response to rising rent prices. Nyack was the second, enacting similar protections and declaring a housing emergency. (Adobe Stock)

Newburgh declares housing emergency, other municipalities to follow

Newburgh, New York declared a housing emergency - and other cities could follow suit. A 2021 survey finds 77% of people might leave the city …

Extremes of hot and cold weather have taken their toll on a concrete barrier along Binghamton's Riverwalk. Concrete crumbles between the stones of the wall in upstate New York. (Chet Wiker/Adobe Stock)

Will big oil companies cover climate change costs in NY?

Some state and local lawmakers are on a long list calling on New York Gov. Kathy Hochul to require big oil companies to help offset the costs of …

Aside from costing rural areas economic opportunities, a housing shortage is also creating population declines. A Rural Housing Coalition of New York report found rural counties saw 50,000 people leave in the last decade. (Adobe Stock)

NY housing organization seeks solutions to rural housing issues

Rural New York organizations are working to tackle issues with rural housing. Rural counties throughout the state are suffering from aging housing …

A report by Advocates for Children of New York found the highest rate of student homelessness was in The Bronx, where one in six students was homeless from 2022 to 2023. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NYC student homelessness continues to rise

A new report found a little more than 119,000 New York City students are homeless. The group Advocates for Children of New York said 61% were …

A report from the Rural Housing Coalition of New York finds rural counties saw their amount of housing increase between 2011 and 2020. However, they're still facing an 18% vacancy rate. (Photo Courtesy of Snow Belt Housing Co.)

Some Rural NY Renters See Benefits of Covid Block Grants

Some one-time grant funding has made the difference between renters in rural New York having a safe place to live - or having to move. The McNeil …

Costing around $19 million, the Selkirk Landing Apartments are one part of a statewide $25 billion investment to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes across New York. (Oswego Housing Development Council, Inc.)

New Development Helps Reduce Rural NY Housing Shortage

New apartments on the market in Pulaski are the latest development aimed at reducing New York's housing shortage. Selkirk Landing consists of 44 …

An Annie E. Casey Foundation report found the number of kids entering foster care because of behavior issues has declined from 49% in 2006 to 30% in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Report: NY Foster Kids Need Better Support

Foster children in New York and across the nation need better transition support once they age out, according to a new report from the Annie E…

According to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, New Yorkers would have to make almost $80,000 a year to afford a fair-market two-bedroom rental. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Consider Solutions to NY’s Affordable-Housing Crisis

From Buffalo to Montauk, New York State is in the midst of an affordable-housing crisis. The National Low-Income Housing Coalition's Out of Reach …

A report from AARP New York finds older New Yorkers living in rural areas are struggling to age in place because of how expensive modifications to homes would be. While they can utilize New York's Access to Home for Medicaid Recipients program, it only gets enough funding to handle $1 million in improvements, but has received requests totaling $12 million. (Andre Carrotflower/Wikimedia Commons)

NY Mayor Eager to Address Numerous Issues After Conference

A New York state mayor is eager to implement new initiatives he observed during the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference. …

At a rally in Harlem, members of Citizen Action of New York call for a bevy of changes to public money in Albany. They want taxes raised on the wealthiest New Yorkers, to increase the state's minimum wage, and to end 'pay-for-play' by reducing state subsidies for corporations. (Citizen Action New York)

NYC Group Calls for Significant Community Investments

Community leaders in Harlem are calling on local and state elected officials to make significant community investments. As part of their 2023 …

A new study from the Rural Housing Coalition of New York finds while rural counties in the state have higher levels of homeownership, vacancy rates are twice as high as urban counties. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Rural NY Struggling with Numerous Issues

A new study shows rural New York is struggling with declining populations and lacking employment. The State of Rural New York examines about a …

The City of Albany received $80 million as part of the American Rescue Plan. $25 million will go to city agencies and organizations to fund local projects to support the city's post-pandemic economic recovery. (Adobe Stock)

Albany Mayor Focuses on Housing, Infrastructure after Mayors' Conference

The mayor of New York's state capital said she is eager to get to work on projects she observed at the U.S. Conference of Mayors' big meeting last …

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, New York has a shortage of 615,025 rental homes that are affordable and available to extremely low-income renters. (Gov. Kathy Hochul)

Critics: NY State of State Address Misses Needed Solutions

While Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State speech addressed key issues affecting New Yorkers, some feel the solutions fell short. In her speech…

According to a report from AARP New York, one solution to lack of accessible rural homes for seniors would be to create a tax credit of up to $2,750. It would be available to homeowners who retrofit their homes to make them more accessible to those who use walkers or wheelchairs or have trouble with steps. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Senior Rural NYers Face Housing, Transportation Disparities

A recent report from AARP New York finds older rural New Yorkers are struggling to age in place due to a wealth of disparities. The two biggest …

As part of New York City's new plan to address mentally ill homeless people, a special hotline will be staffed with clinicians to aid first responders as to whether a person presents as mentally ill. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Worried About NYC’s New Plan for Mentally Ill Homeless People

New York City Mayor Eric Adams' new plan for aiding the mentally ill is facing backlash for its effectiveness. Adams' plan allows police officers…

According to a study done by CoStar Group, a real estate research company, most counties in Central New York have seen rental prices increase by at least 3% since 2019. (Adobe Stock)

New Affordable Housing to Aid CNY Renters, Eventually

Two new affordable housing developments in Central New York should help alleviate the region's affordability problem. The Wheat Street Apartments …

According to a 2020 report, as Lake Placid has become more of a vacation destination and second home location, the year-round population of the town has been on the decline. The decline has been faster than Essex County and New York's North Country. (Adobe Stock)<br />

New NY Housing Development Highlights Rural Affordability Crisis

A new affordable housing development is coming to Lake Placid, an area facing a workforce housing crisis. Fawn Valley, with six homes and 16 town …

At HUD's Fair Market Rent, the annual income renters need in New York State to afford a two-bedroom home is $70,782. (Adobe Stock)

'Affordable' Housing Needs New Definition in NY, US

The reality of "affordable" housing is changing in New York, and advocates for renters' rights argued it is time for an update. For years, …

One of Mayor Eric Adams' citywide amendments - Zoning for Zero Carbon - would facilitate building retrofits, including allowing more rooftop coverage for solar panels. (New York City Office of the Mayor)

'City of Yes': NYC Mayor Unveils Zoning Amendments for Economic Recovery

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has unveiled a plan to use the city's zoning tools to support small businesses, create affordable housing and promote …

Kids in 10th and 12th grades in New York City shelters had attendance rates below 70%, meaning they missed the equivalent of more than a week of school in a single month (Oct. 2021), according to a new policy brief. (Adobe Stock)

NYC Youth in Shelters Face School Attendance Challenges

New York City students in insecure housing situations continue to have alarmingly low school attendance rates, heightened by the pandemic. Youth …

Buildings account for one-third of New York's greenhouse-gas emissions. (Adobe Stock)

NY a Climate Leader through New State Budget

Gov. Kathy Hochul's $220 billion budget was signed into law this week, and clean-energy advocates say it includes a strong commitment to addressing …

Coalition: Building Electrification Policies Key in NY Budget

The New York Legislature will approve Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget by April 1. Environmental advocates are pushing for the fiscal plan to include …

Nearly 900,000 renters in New York spent 50% or more of their income on housing in 2017, according to the Office of the New York State Comptroller.(Adobe Stock)

Report: NY's Severe Housing Issues Impact Public Health

A new report provides a checkup on the health of people in New York and across the country, to help officials improve outcomes in their states…

A letter sent to Congress by 240 groups in part calls for $69.5 million for increased access to overdose prevention, harm reduction, and syringe service programs through the CDC's Infectious Diseases and the Opioid Epidemic program. (Flickr)

As Overdoses Climb, NY Groups Seek Solutions

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced another staggering new death count amid the pandemic: more than 100,000 fatal drug overdo…

New York state ranks 16th in the nation for education. The 2021 Kids Count Data Book shows from 2017-2019, 41% of New York children ages 3 and 4 weren't enrolled in preschool, compared to the 52% U.S. average. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Federal Support Vital to NY Families’ Economic Recovery

ALBANY, N.Y. -- New York is among the top 10 U.S. states for health among children, and the bottom ten for families' overall economic wellbeing…

The adults in more than one in five New York households with children fear they won't be able to make rent or mortgage payments on time. (asiraj/Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Increases Hunger, Housing Insecurity for NY Kids

ALBANY, N.Y. -- A new report shows the economic fallout of the COVID pandemic is having a big impact on children, in New York and nationwide…

This year, more than one in five New York soup kitchens and food pantries say they've had to turn people away, reduce amounts per person or limit hours. (Halfpoint/Adobe Stock)

Poll Shows Strong Support for Programs to End Poverty

NEW YORK -- A new poll shows low-income Americans overwhelmingly support government programs that could end poverty and hunger. Pollsters spoke with …

Housing advocates say the COVID-19 pandemic has laid bare a long-standing crisis in housing affordability. (Suzanne/Adobe Stock)

Housing Advocates Pushing to Cancel Rent

NEW YORK -- Housing justice advocates fear that without action from Albany, New Yorkers who have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic could …

Workers are calling for an investigation of security contractors' compliance with New York City's Paid Safe and Sick Leave law. (Urupong/Adobe Stock)

NYC Shelter Security Officers Claim They’re Denied Sick Leave

NEW YORK -- Security officers at crowded, privately run homeless shelters in New York City say they've been forced to choose between their paychecks …

The lack of privacy during stay-at-home orders can make accessing domestic violence services more difficult for the people who need them. (sdecoret/Adobe Stock)

As COVID-19 Surges, So Does Domestic Violence

NEW YORK -- While stay-at-home measures appear to be slowing the spread of the new coronavirus, they are also leading to an increase in domestic …

La gente con discapacidades o que est� tomando medicinas riesgosas para su sistemas inmunes, son m�s vulnerables al nuevo coronavirus conocido como COVID-19. (Photographee.eu/Adobe Stock)

COVID-19, Gran Amenaza para algunas Personas con Discapacidades

NEW YORK -- Las personas con discapacidades, así como los adultos mayores, pudieran ser más vulnerables a serias consecuencias de salud por …

The Respect and Dignity for All platform includes 17 policy priorities for immigrants and working-class people of color in New York. (Dubo/Adobe Stock)

Rally in Albany Seeks Respect and Dignity for All

NEW YORK -- Hundreds of immigrants and people of color are in Albany today calling on legislators to act on a list of priorities they call the Respect…

More than 700,000 children in New York State live in areas of concentrated poverty. (Distinctive Images/Adobe Stock)

Concentrations of Child Poverty Persist in New York

ALBANY N.Y. – A new report says the percentage of children living in areas of concentrated poverty has dropped in 29 states, but here in New …

Between the 2010-11 and 2016-17 school years, the number of homeless New York City school children increased 56%. (vectorfusionart/Adobe Stock)

Student Homelessness Growing in NYC

NEW YORK – Rising numbers of New York City school children experience homelessness every year, and that can have a serious impact on their …

In New York, 80 percent of kids in foster care earn a high school diploma or GED by age 21. (pxhere)

Helping NY Teens Transition Out of Foster Care

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York is doing relatively well in helping young people in foster care transition to adult life, but there's room for …

Reports say Amazon is finalizing plans to build a headquarters in Queens, N.Y. (King of Hearts/ Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY-SA-3.0)

Amazon May Be Close to a Deal, But at What Cost?

NEW YORK - Amazon may be close to a deal to open one of two new headquarters in New York, but watchdog groups fear taxpayers could be the big losers…

Advocates want NYS to pass legislation encouraging new housing to have accessible first floor apartments. (CDC)

Bills for People with Disabilities Need Action

NEW YORK – Time is running out for action on some state bills important for New Yorkers with disabilities. The legislative session ends on …

Los defensores quieren que el NYS apruebe la legislaci�n que invita a las viviendas nuevas a que tengan departamentos accesibles en el primer piso. (CDC)

Las Leyes para Personas con Discapacidades necesitan acción

NEW YORK – El período legislativo del estado de New York termina el miércoles, pero las iniciativas que pueden beneficiar a las …

About 17 million American families pay 30 percent or more of their income in rent. (Photos public domain)

Report: Rising Rents Putting Financial Security at Risk

NEW YORK – High rents are threatening families' financial security and putting home ownership out of reach for many, according to a new report…

Advocates for New Yorkers with disabilities say every $1 invested in independent-living centers saves the state $9. (Wikimedia Commons)

Albany Asked to Boost Funding for Independent-Living Centers

ALBANY, N.Y. – State funding for New York's independent-living centers hasn't increased in ten years, and that needs to change - that's the …

The Weatherization Assistance Program saves households an average of $283 per year. (SnapStock/Pixabay)

Energy Assistance Programs at Risk in DC Budget Battles

NEW YORK -- With cold weather on the way, programs that help low-income New Yorkers keep warm are still in jeopardy in Washington. The federal …

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NY: Housing/Homelessness