New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced plans on Tuesday to close 25 shelters for asylum seekers over the next two months, marking a substantial reduction in the city’s emergency shelter network.
This marks a major shift in the city’s strategy for housing migrants.
The decision comes as New York records the lowest number of asylum seekers in the city’s shelters in 17 months, following 22 consecutive weeks of declines, The Guardian newspaper reported .
Among the facilities slated for closure is the Floyd Bennett Field Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center, which currently houses around 2,000 migrants.
The closure initiative is expected to result in substantial savings for the city, with officials forecasting a $2.3 billion reduction in spending, reports The Guardian.
The New York State government has pledged to continue its financial support by reimbursing the city for equivalent care costs at other migrant shelters in the five boroughs.
“Our management strategies have proven effective, and these shelter closures demonstrate that we have managed this crisis more effectively than any other city in the country,” said Mayor Adams. He emphasized the administration’s ongoing efforts to identify other consolidation opportunities and maximize savings for taxpayers while maintaining essential services.
The closures will affect facilities in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx, and similar reductions are planned in other New York State cities, including Albany and Buffalo. The New York State government will maintain its financial commitment by continuing to reimburse the city for the costs of caring for migrants in other shelters.
The announcement drew mixed reactions from advocacy groups and community organizations. The Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless issued a joint statement supporting the closure of Floyd Bennett Field, which they had long considered unsuitable for families with children. However, they expressed concern about the impact on displaced families seeking stability.
“While the closure of Floyd Bennett Field addresses our long-standing safety concerns, we must recognize the disruption it causes for families in desperate need of stability,” the advocacy groups said. They stressed the importance of ensuring continued access to shelter services and protecting migrants during the transition period.
The closure plan has sparked debate over the adequacy of the 30- and 60-day eviction notices provided to affected residents. Critics argue that these deadlines may be insufficient to allow families to find alternative housing solutions or establish themselves in the city’s housing market.
This measure represents a significant shift in New York City’s approach to managing its migrant population, reflecting both demographic change and fiscal considerations. The city’s housing system has been under unprecedented pressure since 2022, when an influx of asylum seekers began arriving from the southern border.
Mayor Adams’ administration maintains that the closures reflect effective management strategies rather than a reduction in assistance to asylum seekers. Officials stress that the city will continue to provide necessary services while implementing more cost-effective approaches to migrant assistance.
The impact of these closures will be closely monitored by advocacy groups and city officials, especially as they affect vulnerable populations during New York’s winter months. The administration is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for affected residents and maintaining access to essential services throughout the consolidation process.
To read the article of The Guardian, click here.