The state constitution makes an unusual promise to residents: to provide care and support for the needy. But a recent lawsuit accuses it of failing to meet that mandate by putting low-income households on the brink of homelessness.

New York makes an unusual promise to its residents: Its constitution says the state must provide “aid, care and support for the needy.”

But for at least the fourth time in almost 40 years, the state is being sued for failing to live up to this commitment by putting impoverished families at risk of homelessness.