Over the first four months of 1994, this figure has fallen to 5560 families, which is still greater than the number temporarily housed at the start of 1993. According to documentation in the Mayor's Management Report, New York is combating homelessness in many ways. Through the Emergency Assistance Rehousing Program, the city has continued its efforts to relocate families from the shelter system to permanent housing. The city also plans to increase its voucher program for homeless families who agree to participate in the New York City Housing Authority's Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Housing Court Actions and Evictions Long term trends in housing court actions and evictions reflect, for the most part, economic and institutional forces.
Court proceedings are costly and time consuming.
In a loosening housing market where the benefit of a vacancy is declining, the incentive for owners to work out resolutions with late paying tenants is heightened. At the same time, new housing opportunities for those who can afford them may reduce the number of tenants forced to hang on until an eviction is secured. Whatever the explanation, the effect of this recession on non-payment and eviction proceedings has not paralleled the sharp rise witnessed during the last recession of the 1970's and early 1980's. In general, it seems that fewer tenants are able to resolve non-payment actions prior to court appearances. Inflation adjusted figures in constant 1990 dollars.