Letter: New York: Two Cities?

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Re "Data Back Bloomberg on Disparity With Income" (news article, Sept. 28):

An argument rages about whether New York is "two cities," with half just getting by as income inequality explodes with the arrival of multimillionaires. Who seriously questions our growing poverty or that many struggle just to get by?

Record-high homelessness and food-stamp use are evidence. They've made affordable housing and living wages dominant campaign issues.

Nobody opposes attracting rich people and their contributions, including significant tax revenues. The argument is about policies.

In recent years we've ended vouchers and public housing for families in shelters. Then we eliminated subsidies to move people from shelters to permanent housing, even though it's a cheaper alternative.

Affordable housing dramatically lags behind demand.

We can combat inequality through investment in affordable housing, including for very low income families, supportive housing for those who need it, and other progressive policies.