The expansion of migrant housing continues in New York, with a Manhattan College dorm being fixed up now as a migrant shelter, reported News12.
Democratic Councilman Eric Dinowitz told the outlet that the shelter, run by Yonkers-based WestHab, will provide 95 rooms under a 9-month contract.
One of my main concerns is how will the administration work with us? My office and I have been trying to be partners in supporting the unhoused and migrants. We collected hundreds and hundreds of bags of clothing for migrants and we worked really hard to reach out to DSS to make sure everyone in the community are getting the support and services that they need to thrive.
Dinowitz has also advocated for the facilities to be permanent housing structures.
We should prioritize the construction and renovation of housing over shelters, but the administration has chosen to incentivize the use and construction of shelters rather than permanent housing.
According to the New York Post, the city is finishing up on the shelter before its opening in August. It will be on 435 West 238th Street in Riverdale, down the street from the prestigious $63,500 per year Ethical Culture Fieldston School.
The Adams administration is reportedly to provide further information to Dinowitz on social services, along with coordination with local schools.
Important update for my constituents: I am sharing my thoughts about the opening of a new shelter site in our community. Read my statement below pic.twitter.com/xILzdMGyKP
— Council Member Eric Dinowitz (@EricDinowitzNYC) July 30, 2024
The Post confirmed with City Hall that this operation will include taxpayer-funded meals, social services and referrals for migrant family support. Additionally, a spokesperson for the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) told the outlet the shelter plans to host some of the 210,000 asylum seekers.
DSS told The Post the shelter is not contracted to be permanent or long-term, but it is “committed to providing them a safe and secure place to stay.”
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In May 2023, the Stagg Group purchased the facility for $18 million to make it into a homeless shelter. The Post noted that the city will be paying the owners $2.4 million a year for housing the facility to migrants.
