URGENT UPDATE: Mayor Zohran Mamdani has just announced an emergency executive order mandating a comprehensive review of New York City’s migrant shelters. City Hall declared that a detailed plan must be created within 45 days—by February 19, 2024—to either close or renovate these emergency facilities.
This decisive action comes as the city grapples with the ongoing challenges of accommodating a significant influx of migrants. The Department of Social Services and the Department of Homeless Services, in collaboration with the Law Department, are tasked with ensuring compliance with city laws on maximum capacity and cooking facilities in shelters designated for families.
These regulations had previously been suspended under a series of emergency orders by former Mayor Eric Adams, starting in October 2022, to manage the surge of migrants entering the city. The Adams administration set up numerous ad-hoc shelters, including hotels and tent camps, to address the crisis.
At the peak of the situation, NYC operated 261 migrant shelters, with some megashelters accommodating thousands. However, the latest reports indicate a sharp decline in the number of migrants seeking shelter since mid-2024, leading to the closure of many temporary facilities. As of now, the city is managing only three emergency shelters outside the traditional system while approximately 200 migrant shelters—primarily in hotels—have been integrated into the Department of Homeless Services.
The urgency of Mayor Mamdani’s order reflects the pressing need to adapt to changing circumstances while ensuring the welfare of vulnerable populations. With the city’s shelter system under scrutiny, the upcoming weeks will be critical in determining the future of these facilities and the migrants they serve.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the city races against the clock to meet the February deadline, all eyes will be on the proposed plans and whether they will adequately address the current needs of migrant families. The review process will be closely monitored by advocacy groups and city officials alike, as the impact of these changes will be felt by thousands.
Stay tuned for further developments on this evolving story as NYC navigates a pivotal moment in its response to migration and shelter management.
