New York state spent $172 million in 2024 housing families experiencing homelessness in hotels, data shows, and while it is necessary, but some would rather see that money go toward a more permanent housing solution.
In Onondaga County, about 60 families are living in hotels and motels. The one emergency family shelter has been full for almost four years, which has led to a need for a temporary solution.
“I can’t criticize the hotel plan itself, but fundamentally, this isn’t a long-term solution. It is a Band-Aid on a bullet hole and yes, you take the Band-Aid for sure, but we need real solutions for this crisis,” said Onondaga County Legislator Maurice Brown.
Some of the families living in the hotels have children who are attending school in the city’s school district, but their living situation has made it complicated, Brown said…