Far From Home: Where Families in Shelters Are Placed

 By Kobi Loehr

A large portion of families entering shelters are placed in unfamiliar neighborhoods, away from their schools, doctors, houses of worship, and neighbors. Often, they end up in overtaxed neighborhoods that have limited resources—something useful neither to families nor the communities where they are moved. 

FAMILIES PLACED IN THE SHELTER SYSTEM CLOSE TO HOME

In 2011, more than 83 percent of families in City homeless shelters were placed near the schools attended by their youngest school-aged kids. Five years later, that had declined to only 55 percent of families.

 

FOOD INSECURITY

Close to 70 percent of family shelters are located in community districts identified as being the most “food insecure.” (Triangles represent family shelters.) 

REPORT OF MAJOR VIOLENT CRIMES

Nearly half of all family shelters are located in the highest crime police precincts. (Triangles represent family shelters.)

SCHOOL QUALITY

Over half of all family shelters are located in the lowest performing school districts. (Triangles represent family shelters.)

Sources: 2014 NYC Open Data, Department of Homeless Services, Google Maps, Food Bank for New York City, Feeding America, New York City Police Department, New York City Department of Education