New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced a $650-million investment in people who are homeless or have severe mental illnesses during his fourth State of the City Address on Thursday.
Adams told the Apollo Theatre, in Harlem: “It’s clear that New Yorkers worry about the future.” “Extreme costs force many families, particularly working-class ones, to choose between child care, clothes, medicine, or paying the rent.”
The embattled Mayor, who faces federal corruption charges as he runs for re-election, announced that the city would add 900 beds to its alternative housing program for large shelter facilities. He also promised the city would open a support center for those needing substance abuse and psychiatric care.
Adams asked the state to pass legislation that would make it easier for cities to hospitalize mentally ill people.
New York City, we can do it! Albany must also help. Adams stated that we have seen the devastating consequences of severe mental illness in our streets and subways when it is not addressed. This is why the Supportive Interventions Act must be passed. This important legislation will allow us to provide care to those in need, assist those who cannot care for themselves, and keep New Yorkers safe.
Adams promised to launch a new program to help pregnant families find housing and services that would allow them to avoid ending up in shelters.
Adams announced that the city would build 800 housing units and a library on the Upper West Side. She also pledged to build 100,000 homes in Manhattan.
The Mayor’s Office reported that 109,500 adults and children, including 50.900 migrants, are living in emergency shelters run by the city or approved by it.