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Roosevelt Hotel Migrant Shelter to Close Amid Reduced Numbers
The Roosevelt Hotel in Manhattan, initially repurposed as a migrant shelter, is set to close in the upcoming months, as announced by New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Monday.
Since its establishment in May 2023, the shelter has accommodated over 173,000 migrants, providing around 1,000 rooms for those seeking refuge. Mayor Adams described the closure as a significant milestone, noting the city’s successful efforts in addressing the ongoing humanitarian situation. He emphasized that the decision to close the facility is a result of effective strategies implemented in New York City and advocacy for policy changes at the border.
According to sources, the Roosevelt Hotel is anticipated to be fully vacated by June 2024. The shelter had been a focal point within the city’s response to an influx of migrants, and recent data indicates a substantial decrease in the number of individuals seeking assistance. In January 2024, the city’s shelter system housed approximately 69,000 migrants; however, this figure has since fallen to under 45,000.
Previously, New York City witnessed weekly arrivals of up to 4,000 migrants, but this number has dwindled to an average of about 350, as reported by the Post. During the final weeks of Joe Biden’s presidency, around 400 to 500 new migrants were requesting assistance from the city each week.
In light of the drop in numbers, the city is not only closing the Roosevelt Hotel but also several other migrant care facilities. Mayor Adams stated that efforts would continue to identify additional sites for consolidation and closure to optimize city resources and minimize taxpayer expenditure. In December, he announced plans to shutter 25 shelters in the months ahead.
The Roosevelt Hotel’s impending closure also comes amid concerns regarding safety and crime, with reports linking the facility to gang activity. Despite these challenges, officials have assured that migrants arriving post-closure will still have access to alternative locations for support within the city.
As the situation evolves, New York City continues to navigate the complexities associated with the humanitarian crisis while addressing the needs of its migrant population.
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