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The Great Depression
The Great Depression was the first time North America experienced a full surge of Homelessness. Homelessness and "Hoovervilles", shanties built by homeless people during the Great Depression, was at a record high. Over 13 million people had lost their jobs. No income means no home for most people. Photo Credit: Jacob Riis Photo Credit: Jacob Riis -
The Homeless Fights Back
In 1983, 14,855 people slept in NYC homeless shelters. This included, 6,230 children in families. This increase in homelessness sparked McCain V Koch, a class action lawsuit that demanded NYC provide safe shelter for the homeless. -
The Homeless in 1985
23,247 people slept in NYC shelters each night, including 9,908 children. Photo Credit: JMSuarez -
Homeless NYC in 2000
25,235 people slept in NYC shelters each night, including 10,062 children. Photo Credit: Jacob Riis -
NYC Today
In 2015, homelessness has sky rocketed. North America hasn't seen numbers this high since the Great Depression.
59,305 homless people including 14,280 familes with 23,923 children Photo Credit: Flickr, Steven Pisano
