City to Close 24 Shelters, Citing Decline in Migrant Population
Shelter Closures Announced
New York City will shut down two dozen shelters in the five boroughs and beyond by the end of March, city officials announced on Tuesday morning. The move comes as the city has seen a sustained decline in the number of migrants living in city shelters, down by 10,000 from a peak of over 68,000 people in December.
Floyd Bennett Field Shelter to Close
The city’s vast family shelter at Floyd Bennett Field on federal property in southern Brooklyn is expected to be moved out by January 15, five days before President-elect Trump’s inauguration. The giant tents on the site are to be dismantled in the weeks after, according to a City Hall source who was not authorized to speak to reporters.
Other Shelters to Close
In addition to the closure of Floyd Bennett Field, the city has laid out a list of 24 other shelters that either have closed in recent weeks or are slated to close by the end of March. The list includes 15 New York City shelters and 10 upstate hotels in Albany, Buffalo, and Poughkeepsie, among other locations. Eleven of the shelters on the list have already closed, while 14 closures are planned for between now and the end of March.
Decline in Migrant Population
The city’s shelter population has been declining steadily since December, with a drop of 10,000 people. In a statement announcing the closures, Mayor Eric Adams credited the city’s 30- and 60-day time limits on shelter stays, as well as the city’s case management efforts, for driving down the number of migrants living in city shelters.
Phase-out of Migrant Shelter System
The city is planning to phase out the migrant shelter system, which still houses around 57,000 people, over the coming months. The goal is to transfer control back to the Department of Homeless Services by the summer of 2026. The specifics of that transfer remain unclear.
Conclusion
The city’s decision to close 24 shelters reflects the decline in the number of migrants living in city shelters. The move is seen as a step towards reducing the city’s reliance on temporary shelters and towards a more sustainable solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are the city’s shelters closing?
A: The city’s shelters are closing due to a decline in the number of migrants living in city shelters.
Q: How many shelters will be closed?
A: The city will close 24 shelters by the end of March.
Q: Where are the shelters being closed?
A: The shelters are being closed in the five boroughs and beyond, including upstate New York.
Q: What is the city’s plan for the migrant shelter system?
A: The city plans to phase out the migrant shelter system and transfer control back to the Department of Homeless Services by the summer of 2026.
