Floating Hospital survey finds severe stress among homeless families in New York City

The Floating Hospital says a yearlong survey of 717 homeless families in New York City found widespread violence exposure, housing instability and high levels of stress tied to poverty. The findings will be published in fall 2026 and could inform how providers and policymakers address social determinants of health for families in shelters, hotels and doubled-up living situations.

Why it matters: - The survey points to health risks that go beyond medical care, including housing instability, food insecurity, violence exposure and mental health strain. - The findings could shape how New York City providers respond to homeless families with services that address housing, safety, parenting and daily survival needs. - The results also show the challenges are not limited to New York City because respondents came from 20 different states.

What happened: - The Floating Hospital released preliminary findings from a yearlong, PhD-led survey of 717 current patients. - The 52-question study focused on homeless families in adult shelters, hotels and motels, safe houses, and households doubled up with other families. - The hospital is based in Long Island City, Queens, and was founded in 1866. - The survey used private, one-on-one in-person interviews lasting 30 to 45 minutes. - Interviews were conducted mainly in English and Spanish, with translation and interpretation provided as needed. - More information about The Floating Hospital’s history, mission and services is available at the organization’s website.

The details: - The survey covered nine areas: demographics; basic needs such as utilities, internet and laundry; food security and access; residential and neighborhood conditions; transportation; emotional well-being and personal safety; parenting and children; digital literacy; and self-reported life-skills and health-education needs. - Participants answered questions about sensitive topics including witnessing violence, intimate partner violence, and food and housing insecurity. - 81% of respondents were female, and many were single mothers heading households. - 75% of respondents were parents or guardians of a child under 18. - 44% had witnessed violence against someone they lived with. - 52% had experienced violence from a partner, ex-partner or family member. - 97% said they are optimistic about their children’s future. - Sean T. Granahan, president and general counsel of The Floating Hospital, said the survey surfaced stress levels that appeared consistent with PTSD. - The hospital said many patients live with conditions linked to poverty and low income, including obesity, asthma, anemia, diabetes and infectious diseases. - The Floating Hospital’s care model includes primary medical, dental and behavioral healthcare, plus specialists in optometry, podiatry and infectious disease. - The organization also provides free health education, shuttle transportation from about 400 shelters and domestic violence safe houses, life-skills help, essentials such as food and clothing, a summer leadership and skills camp, free HIV screenings, women’s health screenings, and a teaching kitchen and activity center.

Between the lines: - The data suggest homelessness is tightly connected to health outcomes, family stress and exposure to violence, not just a lack of shelter. - The strong optimism about children’s futures stands out against the severity of the conditions families described. - The mix of medical care and wraparound services reflects a broader model aimed at reducing the day-to-day barriers that can keep families from stabilizing.

What's next: - The full report is expected in fall 2026. - The final publication could provide a more detailed picture of social determinants of health among homeless families and how service providers can respond. - The Floating Hospital will likely use the findings to support its medical, behavioral health and life-skills programs for families in New York City.

The bottom line: - The preliminary survey frames homelessness in New York City as a health crisis shaped by violence, stress and unmet basic needs — and as a challenge that spans far beyond city limits.