Holocaust Survivor, 86, Priced Out of NYC Housing

Sami Steigmann says city housing official missed scheduled meeting on his case.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:28pm

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A blurred, intimate close-up of an elderly man's hands holding a framed photograph, conveying the personal history and ongoing challenges faced by a Holocaust survivor in the modern housing market.An elderly Holocaust survivor's personal struggle to find affordable housing in New York City reflects the city's growing affordable housing crisis.NYC Today

Sami Steigmann, an 86-year-old Holocaust survivor, is struggling to find affordable housing in New York City as housing costs continue to rise. Steigmann, who survived Nazi medical experimentation as a child, says a city housing official missed a scheduled meeting to discuss his housing situation.

Why it matters

Steigmann's case highlights the growing affordable housing crisis in New York City, where many long-time residents, especially the elderly and vulnerable, are being priced out of their homes. His story underscores the need for the city to prioritize housing solutions for its most at-risk populations.

The details

Steigmann, who has lived in New York City for decades, says he can no longer afford his current housing and has been searching for a new, affordable place to live. He had a scheduled meeting with a city housing official to discuss his options, but the official reportedly did not show up for the appointment.

  • Steigmann survived Nazi medical experimentation as a toddler during the Holocaust.
  • Steigmann, now 86 years old, has lived in New York City for many years.
  • Steigmann recently had a scheduled meeting with a city housing official that the official did not attend.

The players

Sami Steigmann

An 86-year-old Holocaust survivor who is struggling to find affordable housing in New York City.

New York City Housing Official

A city official who missed a scheduled meeting with Steigmann to discuss his housing situation.

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What they’re saying

“I survived the Holocaust as a child, and now I'm struggling to find a safe and affordable place to live in the city I've called home for decades.”

— Sami Steigmann

What’s next

Steigmann plans to continue searching for affordable housing options and to follow up with the city housing official who missed their scheduled meeting.

The takeaway

Sami Steigmann's story highlights the urgent need for the city of New York to address the growing affordable housing crisis and ensure that its most vulnerable residents, including Holocaust survivors and the elderly, have access to safe and secure housing.