Relief for NYC's Refugee Families

Since last summer, New York City schools have enrolled tens of thousands of children from migrant families living in homeless shelters. However, the city's new policy requiring these families to reapply for shelter beds threatens the small amount of stability they have established within their school communities. In January 2024, the city issued a notice to asylum-seeking families informing them that they would be evicted from temporary shelters after 60 days.

This policy, intended to ease the strain on the homeless shelter system amid ongoing migration from the southern border, risks significant disruption. Migrant families must choose between long commutes to keep their children in the same schools or transferring schools midyear, which could interrupt academic progress and relationships. Federal law allows homeless families to keep their children in the same school, but long commutes may lead to increased absenteeism.

Amid this uncertainty, some families have left shelters, opting for shared apartments or moving to other states. Educators and advocates fear that this upheaval will undermine the educational and emotional stability of thousands of migrant children, reversing much of the progress made with community support.

Central Park East II is one of 20 Children’s Aid community schools throughout New York City. Jeanette Frazier, the Community School Director, has welcomed 92 immigrant students into her school, nearly a quarter of the school population. Jeanette and her team meet with students and their families to listen to their stories and build a safe space where families have access to resources such as food, clothing, and emotional support. The disruption to their housing status has led to increased anxiety and difficult choices. While many of her families have opted to keep their children at Central Park East II, they now endure long commutes. Yet, they know that Jeanette and her team are there to welcome them with open arms at the end of their journey.

Your support allows staff like Jeanette to respond to the needs of the families, regardless of their nationality, religion, or status. We are so grateful for your support.

Links:

• NY1 Report