A death spotlights Long Island's homeless crisis

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Timothy Stark didn't have a home, but he clearly had a community with neighbors who cared and looked out for him. Stark, who suffered from a mental illness, was a familiar face at the intersection of Express Drive South and Route 112 in Medford, where he chose to live after unsuccessful stints in adult group homes. 

Late last month, Stark was fatally stabbed by Joseph Norton, of Manorville, who allegedly chased Stark "in broad daylight in busy traffic," according to Suffolk County prosecutors.

More details about the case will be forthcoming, but Stark's death at 32 occurred as the issue of homelessness on Long Island came into sharp relief. An analysis of federal data by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli showed that in Nassau and Suffolk counties, the number of homeless people increased last year, even as it dropped statewide and nationwide.

The number of homeless individuals on the Island rose 13.4%, from 4,002 in 2024 to 4,540 in 2025, even as the state's total homeless population fell by 7.9%, driven in part by a 10.3% decline in New York City, the study found.

Also concerning: Of Long Island's total homeless population, 32.9% are children under age 18 — the third-highest percentage of any region statewide. Nearly 1,500 children here lack a home to call their own. By contrast, just 14.6% of the nation's homeless population was under 18, according to the 2025 data.

Advocates point to the most direct explanation behind Long Island's continued uptick: the lack of affordable housing. The Island's limited housing stock, especially the severe shortage of truly affordable housing, shuts out residents on the edge, giving them nowhere to go in tougher times.

But even providing more housing won't resolve the region's homeless crisis. It's clear from Stark's story and others that supportive services, including mental health care, job training and drug treatment programs, are key. Focusing on those at risk before they become homeless — including veterans, troubled teens and young adults, single parents, disabled individuals and others experiencing hardship — could help.

Local advocates can't fight this fight alone. Attention from all levels of government is necessary, but battling the scourge of homelessness is more difficult due to severe reductions in staffing and funding at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. DiNapoli noted that HUD has been "constricting eligibility" for assistance, requiring the state to step in.

Federal officials must do more on  the issue, by working to add staff, preserve funding and expand critical programs, including housing choice vouchers, eviction prevention, and supportive and affordable housing construction.

Long Islanders shouldn't have to wonder if they're going to have a roof over their heads, and those who are homeless deserve to feel safe. With the right resources, perhaps next year's count won't be so high — and others like Stark can get the care they need.