NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- There are fewer homeless New Yorkers.
That's according to a report Thursday, by the Department of Homeless Services. It released results of a federally mandated 'HOPE' street homeless survey conducted in January.
The report says it's the second year in a row showing a decrease in street homelessness.
Mayor Bill de Blasio said while there is always more to do, city outreach teams have made a real difference for thousands of New Yorkers who are back on the path to stability.
"Since we launched the most comprehensive outreach program in the country two years ago, we have helped 2,200 homeless New Yorkers off the streets,” the mayor said. “While there is always more to do to address this decades-in-the-making challenge, our outreach teams have made a real difference for thousands of New Yorkers who are back on the path to stability.”
Because the homeless on the street are dealing with a 'constellation of problems' the New York Times reports, there need to be a variety of solutions. Those include; providing shelter, finding drug rehabilitation programs, psychiatrists, doctors, and guidance in getting birth certificates and Social Security cards.