NY's Homeless Plan: Is It Working, or Just Wasting Money?

New York’s Safe Options Support program just hit a headline-grabbing number, permanently housing over 1,000 people struggling with chronic homelessness. On the surface, it’s a feel-good story. Who wouldn’t cheer for folks getting off the streets and into stable homes? But dig deeper, and the picture gets murkier. The program, championed by Albany’s top brass, comes with a hefty price tag and a nagging question: is this the right way to tackle a problem that’s only getting worse?

Taxpayers deserve a hard look at what’s really going on. While the state celebrates moving 723 people into homes in New York City and 285 more upstate, the costs are ballooning. Nearly $33 million is earmarked for next year alone, and that’s after years of steady increases. For a state already grappling with tight budgets and rising living costs, this kind of spending demands scrutiny. Is this compassion, or a well-intentioned misstep that risks leaving New Yorkers footing an unsustainable bill?

Let’s talk numbers. The program started with $21.5 million in 2023 and has since climbed to $35.2 million last year. Now, we’re looking at another $32.9 million for 2026, plus an extra $2.8 million for street medicine and psychiatry add-ons. That’s real money, pulled from the pockets of hardworking New Yorkers. Compare that to places like Denver, where Housing First programs have cut homelessness by nearly 90% with targeted investments that don’t spiral out of control. New York’s approach feels like a blank check, with no clear endgame.

Then there’s the focus on older adults, a group making up 42% of the program’s clients. A new team targets those over 51 with chronic health issues, which sounds noble until you realize it’s pulling resources from broader needs. HUD’s own data shows older adults are a growing slice of the homeless population, with over 127,000 people 55 and up counted in 2023. But prioritizing one group over others risks neglecting younger people or families who could benefit from a hand up. It’s a classic case of good intentions clouding smarter strategy.

The state touts 1,008 success stories, including 147 in mental health housing. That’s not nothing. Programs like Critical Time Intervention, which this effort leans on, have solid track records for connecting people to services. But success isn’t just about getting someone a key; it’s about keeping them housed. Studies from places like Seattle show that without long-term support, many slip back into instability. New York’s 12-month service window might not cut it for people with deep-rooted challenges like mental illness or addiction.

Contrast that with Washington State’s youth homelessness programs, which blend housing with job training and education to build real independence. Their results? Young adults staying housed and employed at higher rates. New York’s program, while compassionate, seems to stop short of that kind of holistic fix. It’s like patching a tire instead of replacing it; you might roll for a bit, but the problem’s still there.

Nobody’s saying we should abandon people on the streets. But there’s a smarter path. Look at Knoxville or Albuquerque, where federal grants have fueled youth housing centers that actually break the cycle. They don’t just hand out apartments; they teach skills, connect people to jobs, and demand accountability. New York could learn from that. Instead of pouring millions into open-ended outreach, why not invest in housing paired with training programs that get people back on their feet for good?

The counterargument is that housing comes first, no strings attached. Some policymakers swear by it, pointing to studies showing Housing First cuts homelessness by 88%. Fine, but those same studies show you need follow-through, like Denver’s 77% retention rate after three years. New York’s plan feels heavy on the front end and light on the follow-up. Without a clear exit strategy, we’re just kicking the can down the road, and taxpayers will be the ones tripping over it.

New York’s heart is in the right place, but its wallet might not keep up. The Safe Options Support program has helped over a thousand people, and that’s worth celebrating. But at what cost? With budgets tightening and homelessness still climbing, we can’t afford to double down on a plan that’s more about optics than outcomes. Illinois slashed homelessness with $85 million in targeted funds; New York’s spending more for less impact. That’s not progress; it’s a warning sign.

The state needs to pivot. Focus on programs that don’t just house people but empower them. Demand results, not just ribbon-cutting ceremonies. New Yorkers want solutions that work without breaking the bank. It’s time to deliver, not just promise.