"Boom times for New York's economy in recent years obscure the fact that hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers struggle every day to pay their rent and maintain a roof over their heads," the Rev Butts said. "Last winter, 26,000 people and children lost that battle each night, seeking refuge in city shelters. The moral outrage of homelessness continues in this time of plenty, reminding us that the city's housing crisis is severe and unabated," The city's housing crisis affects both low- and middle-income families.More than 525,000 families pay more than half their income for rent, andthe vacancy rate for all but the very highest rent levels has decreaseddramatically over the past four years."

Leaders of Housing First! announced a detailed plan for a 10-year, $10-billion program of public and private investment to create at least 100,000 new housing units. They also seek to preserve and maintain 85,000 more.

"Housing is essential infrastructure for the city's economic health, and it belongs at the top of the city's agenda," said Paul Crotty, Verizon Group president for New York and Connecticut. Other groups involved include the New York Housing Conference, Fannie Mae, J.P. Morgan Chase Community Development and Independence Community Bank.