New York City is launching a program to help 150 migrant families move out of city shelters and into permanent housing. The initiative, called the Enhanced One-Shot Deals (EOSD) program, provides a $4,000 grant to each eligible family. This effort is spearheaded by the Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) with the aim of supporting homeless, working migrant families to secure long-term housing solutions. By providing financial assistance, the city hopes to ease the transition from shelters to independent living, reducing the strain on its shelter system.
To be eligible for the EOSD program, families must have lived in a city shelter for a minimum of 60 days and meet specific income requirements. These income thresholds ensure that recipients have the financial capacity to maintain housing outside the shelter system. The grants can be used to cover a variety of essential housing-related expenses, including security deposits, broker fees, furniture, storage costs, and moving expenses. The program’s design aims to support families in securing housing that fits within their current financial means, helping them transition more smoothly into stable, independent living.
The cost of housing migrants in city shelters has become a significant financial burden for New York City. As of October 2024, the city spends roughly $388 per day to house a single migrant household. With more than 64,000 asylum seekers under the city’s care, these expenses add up quickly, leading to growing concerns among city officials. Mayor Eric Adams has repeatedly voiced his apprehension about the increasing financial strain caused by the migrant crisis, calling for more robust support from state and federal governments.
Although the federal government has allocated approximately $156 million in aid for New York City’s migrant crisis, the city has only received about a third of this amount so far. City budget officials have cited the complex and burdensome application requirements as a significant hurdle in accessing the full extent of the allocated funds. This lack of adequate financial assistance has put additional pressure on the city to find alternative ways, like the EOSD program, to manage the migrant influx and ease the demand on its shelter system.
One of the key challenges the city faces is finding affordable housing for the large number of asylum seekers. The EOSD program, by providing financial assistance directly to families, seeks to empower them to secure housing without relying solely on city resources. However, some experts argue that even with grants, finding affordable housing in New York’s competitive rental market could remain a challenge for many migrant families, particularly those with limited income.
The EOSD program is just one part of the city’s broader strategy to address the ongoing migrant crisis. In addition to the grants, Mayor Adams has introduced prepaid cards for migrants, which are expected to reduce overall costs for the city. However, despite these efforts, the growing number of migrants continues to pose a logistical and financial challenge. As the situation evolves, city officials will likely need to explore further solutions to address both the short-term needs of asylum seekers and the long-term sustainability of the city’s shelter system.
New York City’s approach to managing the migrant crisis, particularly through programs like EOSD, could serve as a model for other cities facing similar challenges. By focusing on immediate, practical solutions to help families transition from shelters to permanent housing, the city is taking steps to reduce its reliance on shelters and provide more sustainable living options for migrants. However, the success of this program will largely depend on the city’s ability to continue securing sufficient funding and support from state and federal partners.
New York City’s Enhanced One-Shot Deals program offers a promising solution to the housing challenges faced by migrant families. By providing financial assistance for essential housing expenses, the program aims to help families transition from shelters to stable, independent living. However, the long-term effectiveness of this approach will depend on continued financial support and the availability of affordable housing in the city’s competitive market.