The Climate Crisis Has a Housing Problem: What Happens When “Staying Indoors” Isn’t an Option?
By Megan Lewis Photo By: Andriy Stefanyshyn In recent weeks, New Yorkers, alongside Americans across the country, have received several public safety alerts to the tune of “Stay Indoors,” “Avoid Strenuous Activities,” and “Close Your Windows.” But for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness or housing instability, “stay indoors” isn’t always a simple instruction to follow. According to recent numbers from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, around 750,000 individuals experienced homelessness on a single night in January 2025, including more than 266,000 people who were living in unsheltered locations. In New York City, the Department of Social Services estimated that nearly 5,000 people were experiencing unsheltered homelessness on a single night as recently as March 2026. It is currently August 2026, and this summer alone has brought New Yorkers repeated reminders of how dangerous extreme weather can be. In June, heat indice...
