Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has pleaded with the federal government for help in dealing with the worsening homeless situation, the New York Post reported on Sunday.
In particular, Blasio called on the federal government to help provide assistance to low income citizens who cannot afford to rent apartments.
"The problem ultimately is Donald Trump has not shown any willingness to give us the tools we need, most especially Section 8 vouchers, which allow people to live in rental housing", de Blasio said.
Trump has blamed the authorities of Democratic-governed California and New York for the deteriorating situation, criticising them for putting too much effort into the impeachment procedures against him instead of addressing the homelessness issue.
In an effort to tackle the problem, de Blasio announced on 23 December an additional $21 million in spending on mental health services for homeless New Yorkers, the New York Daily News reported. The funding is the result of a review of the controversial legislation known as Kendra's Law enacted by NYC that gives the green light to involuntary treatment for mental health issues.
As of September, there were around 62,000 homeless people accommodated in NYC shelters.