NYC Launches $4K Grant Program to Help Migrant Families Leave Shelters

On Thursday, September 5th, New York City announced a new program offering migrant families up to $4,000 to leave city shelters and find permanent housing. The Asylee Moveout Assistance (AMA) initiative aims to assist asylum-seeking families who face barriers in obtaining housing. This pilot program was designed to ease the burden on the city’s overcrowded shelter system while providing crucial support to recently arrived migrants.

The program mirrors the Enhanced One-Shot Deals (EOSD) initiative, which also grants $4,000 to help with housing expenses. AMA, however, targets asylum-seekers who may not qualify for other federal and state housing assistance programs. The program, funded through existing city dollars and managed by nonprofit organizations, focuses on reducing the strain on emergency shelters by helping migrants transition into more stable living conditions. 

The city currently spends about $388 per day to house a single migrant family. With over 64,000 asylum seekers in shelters, the cost of maintaining these services has become unsustainable. Mayor Eric Adams has emphasized that the new grants are part of a broader strategy to reduce shelter dependence and promote self-sufficiency among migrant families. The grant can be used for moving expenses, security deposits, and household essentials. 

Since its launch in December 2023, the AMA program has helped 150 migrant families relocate. To qualify, families must provide documentation such as rental agreements and moving company receipts. The grant is structured to avoid direct cash payments, with funds distributed to landlords, moving companies, and service providers. Recipients can also receive up to $1,000 in gift cards for necessary household items.

Legal Aid attorney Josh Goldfein praised the program, stating, “Anything that increases the city’s flexibility to provide people with what they’re saying they need will be a benefit to everyone.” The pilot program has also faced challenges, including budget limitations and criticism over its scope, but city officials are optimistic about expanding it to assist more families.