In New York, there are 400,000 residents who live in public housing. Since many of the low-income housing developments are located near the water, a large percent of low-income residents in the areas hit were impacted. Approximately 1.9 million customers are without power in the New York City area. Many, particularly those in low-income housing projects, have chosen to stay, even without power, because they have no family or friends they can move in with. This has created a serious situation for families as the lower winter temperatures approach.
Residents in these areas do have options. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has stated it will help by providing up to two weeks financial assistance for hotel rooms for some and rental assistance for temporary apartments for others. Another way FEMA is helping is by supplying trailers as temporary housing until people can get back on their feet and return to their homes.
One of the challenges New York faces is that they already experience limited housing options. Supplying affordable housing in this city of eight million people is no easy task to begin with. As Governor Cuomo stated, "This is going to be a massive, massive housing problem," New York's Mayor Bloomberg has stated he is "not going to let anybody go sleeping in the streets." And FEMA is investigating housing needs in every neighborhood to find workable solutions.
The situation is certain to challenge low-income housing needs going forward. In the meantime, residents needing assistance may view daily updates on New York City's official website.
For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/html/index.html
