As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to strain New York City, social worker Anthony Dussard reveals a growing crisis: homeless families increasingly turning to drugs to cope. Working with a nonprofit aiding vulnerable populations, Dussard describes the pandemic's “devastating ripple effect” on mental health and addiction.
“Many people we help were already struggling, but the isolation and uncertainty pushed them over the edge,” he shares. With shelters stretched thin and resources dwindling, Dussard notes a sharp rise in relapses and new substance abuse cases since 2022.
The crisis highlights deeper systemic issues—from unemployment to gaps in mental healthcare. “It’s not just about handing out masks,” Dussard stresses. “We need long-term solutions that address trauma and poverty together.”
As NYC rebuilds, advocates urge policymakers to prioritize addiction support networks. For now, frontline workers like Dussard remain lifelines in a battle against what he calls “the pandemic within the pandemic.”
