In an effort to address the challenges posed by the influx of migrants in shelters, New York City has launched a pilot program that provides financial assistance to eligible families for permanent housing.
New York City has implemented a pilot program aimed at facilitating the transition of migrants out of city shelters and into permanent housing. The program, known as the Asylee Moveout Assistance (AMA), was launched in December last year in partnership with city shelters that offer services to asylum seekers.
Under the AMA pilot, 150 eligible families have received $4,000 in cash assistance to cover expenses associated with securing permanent housing. The funding can be used for rent, security deposits, moving expenses, and essential household items.
NYC Launches Pilot Program to Aid Migrants with Housing Transition
The program is designed to assist asylum seekers who have identified permanent housing but may face financial barriers in securing it. Eligible families must reside in select DHS emergency shelters and demonstrate a need for financial support.
To ensure accountability, migrant families who receive the $4,000 grant are required to document their expenses. They are not eligible for a second payment if they return to city shelters. Additionally, families can receive up to $1,000 in gift cards for household necessities and moving expenses.
NYC Launches Pilot Program to Aid Migrants with Housing Transition
The AMA pilot is similar to the city's existing Enhanced one-shot deals program, which provides one-time payments to homeless working families to help them transition out of the shelter system.
The launch of the AMA pilot comes amid growing concerns about the overcrowding of migrant shelters in New York City. Mayor Eric Adams recently imposed restrictions on the city's "right to shelter" policy, limiting stays in shelters to 30 days.
NYC Launches Pilot Program to Aid Migrants with Housing Transition
To address the increasing costs associated with the migrant crisis, NYC has secured $106 million in federal funding for reimbursement. The city estimates that it has spent more than $5 billion on the crisis over the last two years, with expenses projected to double by 2025.
Adams has urged the federal government for additional support, requesting $4.6 billion to fund city programs through 2025. He has emphasized that the city's shelter population has tripled since he took office.
NYC Launches Pilot Program to Aid Migrants with Housing Transition
The AMA pilot is one of several initiatives undertaken by New York City to address the challenges of the migrant crisis. The city has also established a new intake center for migrants and expanded services at shelters.
