The Human Toll of Shelter Evictions
Since the 1980s, New York City has upheld the Right to Shelter, which guarantees a shelter bed to all who need one. This unique policy has ensured that we do not experience the same level of mass street homelessness seen in other cities. Last year, Mayor Adams undermined this policy by creating a separate and unequal shelter system for asylum seekers which caps their shelter stay at a mere 30 days for individual adults and 60 days for families with children. These arbitrary caps have created a humanitarian crisis for new arrivals, exacerbating street homelessness and denying them the stability they need to develop self-sufficient lives in New York City.
Evicted single adults are often having their requests for new shelter placements rejected by the City, leaving them in dire situations including having to sleep on the streets, in subway stations, or in makeshift and unsafe living arrangements. Families with children are given new placements, but are still destabilized as they are shuffled around from one shelter to another. Over 1000 school-age children, who should be focused on a fresh start with education, have instead been uprooted from their schools, disrupting their academic progress and social connections. Progress that their parents have made on asylum, TPS, or work authorization applications is hindered by the operational complications of an address change.
Earlier this month the Committee on Immigration held a landmark hearing addressing the unique challenges faced by Black migrants in NYC, drawing over a thousand migrants to City Hall. At the hearing, we heard about how the 30 and 60 Day Rule is disproportionately harming them, underscoring that this is a critical racial justice issue. We also heard loud and clear that impacted asylum seekers aren’t looking to live in shelters in perpetuity. They want stability and a life that will allow them to secure employment and permanent housing, so that they can ultimately integrate and contribute to our city without relying on the shelter system.
Interfaith Coalition Supports Intro. 210
A growing coalition of New Yorkers, including the New York Jewish Agenda, B'nai Jeshurun Synagogue, Congregation Beit Simchat Torah, Tirdof: New York Jewish Clergy for Justice, Judson Memorial Church, T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, Women in Need, and more are rallying to get the Stop Shelter Evictions Act passed. I’m also thrilled to have the support of Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, and Comptroller Brad Lander. Additionally, I am proud to have the backing of my colleagues, with 17 other Council Members signed on as co-sponsors. The bill was heard last month by the Committee on General Welfare, meaning that it is now eligible to be voted on. We encourage your organization to endorse Intro. 210 by filling out this form.
As the daughter of immigrants, I find it unconscionable to see how this city is treating so many that have come here for safety and a chance at democracy. I am urging my colleagues to join me in sponsoring the Stop Shelter Evictions Act so that it can swiftly be brought up for a vote. Together, let us uphold our commitment to justice, compassion, and dignity for all New Yorkers.
