Open Hearts Initiative Condemns Mayor Adams' Plan to Force Some Asylum Seekers to Leave Shelter After 60 Days

In response to Mayor Eric Adams' announcement this afternoon that in the coming days the City will begin delivering notices to adult asylum-seekers in its care that they will need to find other housing within 60 days or reapply and wait for another possible placement, the Open Hearts Initiative released the following statement, which can be attributed to Advocacy Coordinator & Neighborhood Organizer Bennett Reinhardt:

"We are stunned and outraged by the Mayor's announcement this afternoon. Without work authorization or rental assistance, it will be incredibly difficult for the thousands of individuals affected by this announcement to find places to go. Many have been trying to do so in the months since they first arrived in our city and have encountered the same struggles that so many New Yorkers face: an extremely limited amount of available affordable units, and systemic barriers to access. As our new neighbors have begun to make a home in their new communities, this plan also threatens to disrupt the community ties and networks that have formed to support them. OHI members have been thrilled to welcome asylum seekers through efforts like collecting donated art supplies for those waiting at the Roosevelt Hotel arrival center in Midtown and writing chalk messages of support at a HERRC on the Upper West Side. This policy will make it harder for folks to access support, just when that support is needed the most. The Mayor's action is morally repugnant at a time when there is so much need in our communities, and we will continue to advocate for safe and dignified shelter and housing for all of our neighbors."