Brenda D'Alessandro lived in her car for a month after...

Brenda D'Alessandro lived in her car for a month after her landlord raised the rent at her Smithtown apartment.  Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca

In this week's icy chill, thousands of Long Islanders lack a home of their own. Many have some relief from the bitter cold because they have access to emergency shelters or other transitional housing, but still lack permanent shelter. Hundreds are living on the streets, in the woods, or in their cars. Importantly, during a Code Blue — like this week, when temperatures fall below 32 degrees — no one is denied shelter. But many on the street are not asking for it.

Homelessness is at record levels across Long Island, with 4,002 homeless individuals counted as of last year. According to the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, more than 60% are women with children. Across both Nassau and Suffolk counties, more than 1,300 children under 18 are homeless.

These are members of our community. At some point, perhaps, they lost a job or suffered a personal crisis. They may have stayed afloat for a while, thanks to past federal pandemic assistance and eviction moratoriums. But as those efforts ended, savings dwindled and housing costs rose, leaving Long Islanders living on the edge with few options.

Even if they began working again, arrears built up. Even with a federal housing voucher, suitable rental housing is hard to find. Some individuals have ended up living in their cars when alternative arrangements or shelter spots could not be secured.

This crisis is often hidden from view in a region often touted for its affluence and largesse. Yet too many residents are in trouble.

The long-term solution lies in adding more truly affordable housing, especially rental apartments and accessory dwelling units. But that won't help those in need now. Our shelters are full. And adding shelters isn't easy, especially with community resistance and extensive state regulations.

Beyond boosting the number of beds, state leaders also should consider loosening shelter eligibility requirements, which often exclude those with income or some funds. Having a job doesn't automatically mean being able to afford a place to live. For now, local officials say they can accommodate families with children who need emergency shelter, but it remains an ongoing challenge.

It's also imperative that state and local officials provide supportive services for homeless individuals and families. For some, that can mean job placement or child care. But others suffer from mental health and substance abuse difficulties, which are more difficult to address, especially for those living on the street. 

State officials must work with Nassau and Suffolk to provide the resources and tools necessary to meet the increasing need. But we can do our part. If you see someone who is homeless or requires assistance, you can call 311 in Suffolk County. Regionwide, you can call the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless at 631-464-4314, x170 to reach its SOS team. 

MEMBERS OF THE EDITORIAL BOARD are experienced journalists who offer reasoned opinions, based on facts, to encourage informed debate about the issues facing our community.

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