On October 31, New York City announced plans to close 10 upstate hotel shelters housing migrants, with a final deadline set for December 31. This decision impacts over 1,100 migrants residing in shelters across Albany, Erie, Dutchess, Orange, and Westchester counties. In a letter sent to migrants, city officials outlined the upcoming closures, offering temporary placement in New York City shelters as an option. However, these stays are limited to 30 or 60 days. On-site staff will assist with next steps, which could include transportation to more permanent destinations. New York City leaders, along with local Albany officials and aid organizations, are working to coordinate support for migrants facing potential displacement as contracts with shelter provider DocGo expire.
The shelter closures mark a shift in New York City’s response to the migrant crisis, which began in May 2023 when an influx of asylum seekers overwhelmed local shelters. As arrivals have recently slowed, the Adams administration is scaling down upstate operations. City Hall spokesperson Liz Garcia commented on the adjustment, stating, “We’re really scaling down our operations.” However, this initiative, funded by a $432 million contract with DocGo, sparked controversy, leading to legal challenges and community pushback. Additionally, scrutiny grew over DocGo’s practices, culminating in state Attorney General Letitia James launching an investigation. Allegations of misconduct by DocGo’s staff, coupled with an inability to meet compliance standards, added further strain to the program.
In light of this, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander denied the renewal of DocGo’s emergency contract, though it remains active until year-end to allow for the phased closure of shelters. Migrants affected by this decision have received notices and support from an “exit planning team” to guide their next steps, including the option to seek temporary housing within New York City. There, however, they would face limits on shelter stays, typically capped at 30 or 60 days.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has pointed to a decline in migrant arrivals as an opportunity to reduce temporary shelter capacity. Recent data shows a decrease in new migrant admissions to city shelters, prompting the city to gradually end its upstate shelter operations. Still, many migrants have struggled with limited access to stable housing and legal resources, particularly in rural areas like Albany.
In Albany, community groups have called for expanded support and more permanent housing solutions. Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan expressed optimism, citing that 95% of asylum seekers in the region have received work authorizations, potentially easing their housing challenges. Employment opportunities in construction, healthcare, and hospitality are expected to aid these migrants in securing self-sufficiency.
As New York continues efforts to support asylum seekers amidst the shelter closures, a $22 million resettlement program launched in Buffalo offers a potentially longer-term support model. Run by Jewish Family Services in Buffalo, the program aims to help migrants find housing, employment, and legal resources, underscoring an evolving approach to addressing the complex needs of New York’s migrant community.
