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Who Are The Working Homeless in New York City?

Working Homeless in New York City

Photo Credit: leonidkos - stock.adobe.com

Throughout these blog posts, we have endeavored to paint a portrait of the true face of homelessness. Constant readers will know that anyone may, through one or more misfortunes, become homeless. This blog post will discuss the growing trend of working homeless in New York City as well as some resources they may use. 

How Can You Be Homeless in New York City If You Are Working? 

As mentioned in previous blog posts, there are many reasons why someone might become homeless, including domestic violence, fires and natural disasters. At the same time, wages have not kept up with the rising cost of rent and other living expenses. To afford those expenses requires an average household salary of $46,967, or $23 per hour. [1] As of 2025, the minimum wage in New York is $16.50. [2] 

How Many New Yorkers Are Working and Homeless?

Studies have shown that the majority of homeless adults in America have jobs. [3] In New York City specifically, approximately half of single adults and 40 percent of families in homeless shelters are employed. [4] Furthermore, many of those individuals work multiple jobs. [5] While the exact number of homeless workers will fluctuate at any given time, these studies indicate that tens of thousands of New Yorkers have no safe, reliable housing to return to after their shifts end. 

What Kinds of Jobs Do Homeless People Have?

Many working homeless people have low-income jobs, such as those in the leisure and accommodation sectors. However, according to recent reporting from The New York Times, almost any worker you meet in the city could be homeless, including, but not limited to the following: 

  • Food preparation workers
  • Hairdressers
  • Recreation workers 
  • Teaching assistants 
  • Stockers 
  • Childcare workers
  • Taxicab drivers 
  • Bus drivers and other operators of mass transit
  • Sanitation workers
  • Firefighters 
  • Police officers
  • Municipal workers
  • And more

How Can You Help the Working Homeless? 

Many homeless workers fall into an uncomfortable middle ground: Too much income to receive government benefits, but not enough income to afford housing. To learn whether you qualify and to apply, check the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Homeless Assistance Grants. Assistance is also available from: 

Depending on your exact situation, you may be entitled to services that help you navigate the following: 

  • Discrimination based on a protected class and/or housing status
  • Accessing public facilities to properly prepare for interviews 
  • Accessing transportation to and from work 
  • Obtaining accommodations for any physical and cognitive disabilities
  • Building skills to qualify for jobs

Simultaneously, Mentor A Promise and its network of partner organizations provide a wide array of services for the whole family. 

Contact Mentor A Promise Today 

Our organization recognizes the immense potential within each individual and seeks to provide them with the educational resources and opportunities they need to thrive. To that end, we have built a strong network of family shelters, educational institutions and community organizations to support homeless children, youths and their families. Click these links to learn more about what we offer or to get involved. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness. 


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