HEMPSTEAD, NY – Newsday’s new series “Feeling the Squeeze” sheds light on a growing crisis on Long Island, where an increasing number of residents are forced to live in their vehicles due to rising rents and a lack of affordable housing options. Despite being employed, many individuals and families find themselves unable to keep up with the skyrocketing costs of living.
The series explores the daily struggles of these residents, who must navigate the challenges of living in their cars while maintaining jobs and trying to save for more permanent housing. It highlights the stories of those who never imagined they would be in such a situation, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll it takes on them.
The root of the problem lies in the significant increase in rental prices across Long Island, driven by a combination of factors including high demand, limited housing supply, and inflation. This has created a dire situation for many working-class individuals who find themselves priced out of traditional housing markets.
Advocates and experts featured in the series call for urgent action to address the housing crisis. They stress the need for more affordable housing developments, better rental assistance programs, and policies that protect tenants from exorbitant rent increases. Without such measures, the number of people living in vehicles and facing homelessness is expected to rise.
Newsday’s series brings much-needed attention to this hidden crisis, urging community leaders and policymakers to take immediate steps to provide relief and support to those affected by Long Island’s housing affordability issues.
