NYC relocates homeless people to upstate areas after towns refuse migrants.

Here’s a striking statement: “You won’t take our migrants, so here’s our homeless.” This statement highlights the dire homelessness situation in many areas, particularly where refugees and migrants often seek refuge. It’s a call to action, a challenge to those who have the power to help and make a difference. The statement implies that people in need can be easily overlooked or dismissed, but they deserve as much attention and assistance as anyone else. It’s a powerful message that reminds us of our shared humanity and the importance of compassion and empathy.

The city of New York is stepping in to assist its homeless and low-income citizens in relocating upstate, given the recent refusal of several municipalities in the north to accept some of its asylum seekers.

To expand affordable housing options, the city unveiled a new plan on Tuesday that permits CityFHEPS housing assistance vouchers outside of the five boroughs. This marks the first time such coupons can be utilized in locations where rent is more affordable and ample living spaces are available.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams has been urging the rest of the state to help accommodate the overwhelming number of migrants arriving in the city, disrupting its shelter system. Finally, there has been a move towards addressing this issue.

Despite his efforts, the issue remains unresolved. Even appealing to Gov. Kathy Hochul has not yielded the desired result.

With the recent changes to the voucher program, the homeless population may start shifting towards other areas besides the city. Towns in those areas could see an increase in homeless individuals seeking assistance through the newly modified voucher system.

In a statement, Adams expressed his hope that the long-time residents of New York would be welcomed by their partners across the state with open arms and offered good job opportunities.

According to the Mayor, these reforms will provide an opportunity for residents living in New York for a long time to relocate to other areas of the state with more affordable housing options. This will, in turn, create more space in the city’s shelter system for the approximately 10,000 migrants seeking shelter each month. It’s a win-win situation that will alleviate the shelter system’s burden while helping residents find more affordable housing options.

The shelter system of New York City is experiencing an unprecedented number of people seeking refuge, with over 113,000 individuals under the city’s care. Almost 60,000 asylum seekers have fled their homelands in search of a safer haven. The city is grappling with a chronic housing crisis that has been a longstanding issue.

Accepted individuals in the city can participate in the voucher program, wherein they only have to pay 30% of their income towards their rent. The municipality covers the remaining amount, as indicated in the official document of the program.

Starting next week, the voucher change will be implemented as expected.

According to Molly, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Social Services, expanding housing options for CityFHEPS voucher-holders throughout the state is a crucial step towards providing stability and job opportunities. This move will also ensure the city-funded rental assistance program complies with federal rental assistance standards. The expansion will allow voucher holders to choose housing options anywhere in New York State, giving them more flexibility and autonomy in their housing decisions.

The program successfully helped around 15,000 families secure permanent housing in the previous fiscal year, marking an impressive 18% increase from the prior year.

The eligibility criteria for the program in the city’s shelter system remained uncertain. However, it was confirmed that asylum seekers would not be eligible to receive the assistance.

Earlier this year, the City Council stepped towards making the housing voucher program more accessible by removing some of its restrictions. As reported by the New York Post, the 90-day requirement for individuals in the shelter system to become eligible for a voucher was dropped. This move is expected to benefit many people who were previously unable to access the program due to this requirement.

Amidst the council’s efforts to pass a series of bills, Adams was at odds with the proposed changes. According to him, these changes would result in a staggering $17 billion cost within the next five years, creating a deadlock between the two parties.

Despite Mayor Adams’ veto, the city council passed the housing changes into law at the start of 2024, as the New York Post reported.

In a joint statement on Tuesday, City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams and Deputy Speaker Diana Ayala expressed their appreciation for CityFHEPS as an essential resource in maintaining individuals’ homes, avoiding evictions, and moving them from shelters to permanent housing. They acknowledged the program’s effectiveness and role in facilitating transitions to stable living conditions.

According to the politicians, the decision to expand CityFHEPS beyond New York City is a positive move that will aid long-time residents in securing housing and financial security.

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