June 26, 2019 – As of 2017, there were an estimated 2,000 homeless seniors in city shelters. There are several factors that contribute to this statistic: the average Social Security payment in New York State is less than $1,500; the average market rental hasn’t been affordable in decades; and the waitlist for an affordable senior rental in New York City is 200,000 names deep and 10 years long. There is also the issue of contending with NIMBY groups who often stand in opposition to affordable housing development.