New York City is shutting down all ten of its migrant shelters scattered across upstate New York by the end of the year. This move will displace over 1,100 adults and children currently residing in these facilities, who will be given the option to seek temporary shelter within the city.
This decision marks the culmination of a tense chapter in the relationship between Mayor Eric Adams’ administration and upstate communities. The constellation of shelters, stretching from Westchester and Albany to the Buffalo region, has been a source of contention since the city started relocating migrants to these areas in May 2023. The influx of migrants, coupled with a shortage of local shelter beds, strained resources and sparked pushback from many upstate communities. Some counties barred the establishment of shelters through emergency orders, while others turned to the courts to block these initiatives.
The closures coincide with the expiration of a controversial $432 million no-bid contract with DocGo, a medical services company tasked with operating nearly all the city’s upstate migrant shelters. This contract has been embroiled in a series of scandals, prompting the city to announce its termination earlier this year.
The decision to shutter the upstate shelters also aligns with a recent trend of decreased migration. New Yorkers are seeing more migrants departing from city shelters than arriving, according to recent city data. In the past week alone, 600 new migrants entered city shelters, while over 1,000 exited, suggesting a shift in the equation.
“We’re significantly scaling down our operations,” said City Hall spokesperson Liz Garcia. “It’s part of a broader strategy to adapt to this evolving situation.”
Earlier this month, Mayor Adams announced plans to close the sprawling 3,000-bed tent city on Randall’s Island, initially intended as a temporary solution for the growing migrant population. This closure, slated for February 2025, reflects the declining number of new arrivals, with a consistent decline observed over the past 14 weeks.
All migrants currently housed in the soon-to-be-closed upstate shelters have received official notifications informing them of the December 31st departure deadline. These notices, distributed by the city, offer support from an on-site “exit planning team” to assist residents with their next steps. Returning to New York City and reapplying for temporary shelter remains an option, but stays are limited to 30 or 60 days, highlighting a shift towards long-term solutions.
Despite these efforts, challenges persist for migrants in upstate New York. Tim Doherty, CEO of the Refugee Welcome Corporation, an Albany-based immigrant aid organization, reports difficulties faced by migrants in securing permanent housing and navigating the complexities of legal assistance. Many migrants, fleeing troubled conditions in New York City, often arrive in Albany seeking refuge from overcrowded shelters or concerns about city-related violence.
The Adams administration’s decision to sever ties with DocGo follows a series of controversies, culminating in a scathing report by the New York Times detailing alleged mistreatment of migrants under the company’s care. This investigation, launched by State Attorney General Letitia James, stemmed from growing concerns about DocGo’s practices. Furthermore, a State Department investigation revealed that over 50 security personnel employed by DocGo’s subcontractors lacked proper authorization to work, adding fuel to the controversy. These developments, compounded by the resignation of DocGo’s CEO after disclosures about falsified credentials, ultimately led to the city compelling DocGo predecessors to wind down operations upstate by year’s end, marking a significant shift in the city’s approach to migrant shelter management.
In the face of these challenges, New York City is forging ahead with a novel resettlement program aimed at assisting 539 migrants residing in temporary Buffalo shelters. This $22 million initiative, spearheaded by the nonprofit refugee resettlement provider, Jewish Family Services, offers eligible asylum seekers support in securing apartments, employment, and navigating the complex asylum process. This program is lauded by immigrant advocates as a pioneering model that could pave the way for more sustainable solutions in the future. Perhaps this novel approach, focusing on long-term integration, will offer a more hopeful path forward for these displaced individuals.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Tim Doherty, CEO of the Refugee Welcome Corporation
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us, Tim. New York City has recently announced its decision to close all ten upstate migrant shelters by the end of the year. How do you think this will impact the over 1,100 adults and children currently living in these facilities?
Tim Doherty (TD): Thank you for having me. The closure of these shelters presents a real challenge for many families and individuals who have sought refuge from difficult situations. While the city has offered the option to return to temporary shelters in the city, the reality is that many migrants are already facing significant barriers to finding permanent housing. For those who have built some stability in their current shelter, the idea of moving again can be quite disruptive, especially for families with children.
TNE: It seems that the relationship between Mayor Eric Adams’ administration and upstate communities has been quite contentious since this decision was made. What do you think led to this tension?
TD: The friction largely stems from the strained resources in upstate communities. When New York City began relocating migrants outside the city, it caught many local governments off guard. They faced an influx of individuals for whom they were not prepared, which created a sense of urgency and, unfortunately, resentment. Some communities felt like they were shouldering a burden without adequate support, leading to emergency orders and legal challenges against the establishment of shelters.
TNE: The backdrop of this decision involves the expiration of that controversial $432 million contract with DocGo. What are your thoughts on the role that this company played, particularly with the issues highlighted around the treatment of migrants?
TD: The situation with DocGo is deeply troubling. Reports of mistreatment and the fallout from investigations reveal significant gaps in care and monitoring. When an organization that’s supposed to provide essential services for vulnerable populations is embroiled in controversy, it only compounds the challenges migrants face. It’s crucial that any organization involved in such critical work has the proper oversight and prioritizes the dignity and well-being of those they serve.
TNE: The latest data indicates that New York City is experiencing a net outflow of migrants from its shelters. How does this development affect the future planning for migrant support services in the city?
TD: It’s a positive sign that some migrants are finding ways to exit shelters for better opportunities, but this transition can be complex. The challenge is ensuring there are adequate resources in place to support those who remain and those who arrive. Furthermore, it underscores the need for comprehensive, long-term housing solutions rather than short-term fixes. As the situation evolves, we need to adapt our strategies accordingly.
TNE: You’ve mentioned securing permanent housing as a significant challenge. What are some of the barriers that migrants face in this regard?
TD: One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of affordable housing, not just in New York City but also upstate. Additionally, navigating legal assistance can be complicated, particularly for those unfamiliar with the system. Many migrants face language barriers and may not have access to the counsel they need to understand their rights or resources available to them. This all adds to a feeling of instability during what is already a very challenging time in their lives.
TNE: Lastly, with closures and shifts happening, what steps can organizations like yours take to bridge the gap for migrants in need of support?
TD: We’re committed to providing guidance and resources to help migrants navigate their options—whether it’s reapplying for temporary shelter, accessing legal assistance, or finding permanent housing solutions. Collaboration between organizations, government resources, and the local community is essential. As we work to ensure that the needs of migrants are met, we also aim to foster understanding and solidarity among neighbors to create a more supportive environment for everyone involved.
TNE: Thank you, Tim, for sharing your insights on this complex issue. It’s clear that while some shifts are taking place, the need for compassionate, effective support for migrants remains urgent.
TD: Thank you for covering this important topic. It’s vital we continue to shine a light on the experiences of migrants and work together to support them in meaningful ways.