The New York City Committees on Finance and General Welfare convened on May 26, 2025, to discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget, focusing primarily on strategies to address unsheltered homelessness. Key discussions highlighted the metrics used to evaluate the effectiveness of outreach efforts and the challenges faced in transitioning individuals from the streets to permanent housing.

Officials outlined three primary metrics for tracking engagement with unsheltered individuals: the number of touchpoints with clients, placements into transitional housing, and permanent housing placements. The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) emphasized that while shelter placements were previously seen as a success, the ultimate goal is to secure permanent housing for those experiencing homelessness. This shift in focus reflects a broader understanding of the complexities surrounding homelessness, which officials noted is influenced by various systemic factors.

In the previous year, approximately 1,200 individuals were successfully placed into permanent housing from low-barrier beds and safe havens. However, the same number of individuals were discharged from psychiatric hospitals to DHS, illustrating the ongoing challenges in managing the flow of individuals into homelessness. Officials acknowledged the need for collaboration with other agencies to address the root causes of homelessness and prevent individuals from entering the system.

The budget for outreach programs in FY 2025 was set at $380 million, with $73 million allocated specifically for outreach contracts. This funding is intended to support various initiatives, including real estate for safe havens and stabilization beds. The committee also discussed the number of referrals to services and shelter placements, noting that in FY 2024, there were 13,578 referrals and 3,614 placements into shelters.

Despite the robust shelter system in New York City, officials recognized that 97% of individuals experiencing homelessness are sheltered, indicating that a significant number remain on the streets and subways. The committee emphasized the importance of building connections with these individuals, as many have faced systemic failures that complicate their transition to stable housing.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing unsheltered homelessness through comprehensive strategies and collaborative efforts, while also acknowledging the complexities involved in achieving lasting solutions.