New York, NY – In response to Mayor Eric Adams’ announcement Thursday that New York City will open emergency tent shelters for asylum seekers, Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York, New Destiny Housing, and Enterprise Community Partners issued the following statement on behalf of the Family Homelessness Coalition:

“We condemn the alarming decision by Mayor Adams to house families and children in makeshift shelters or tents. New York City has an obligation to provide safe and decent shelter to families – the minimum standard of care cannot be up for debate. Not only is there a question of legality, but we are deeply concerned about whether these shelters will provide families the housing services, transportation, and supplies they need.

Asylum seekers already have experienced tremendous trauma, and we urge Mayor Adams not to place thousands of children and their family members in a potentially dangerous environment.”

This statement is from Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York, New Destiny Housing, and Enterprise Community Partners on behalf of the Family Homelessness Coalition.

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ABOUT

The Family Homelessness Coalition (FHC) is composed of 18 organizations representing service and housing providers and children’s advocacy organizations. FHC is united by the goal of launching a coordinated, collaborative, multi-agency effort focused on preventing family homelessness, improving the well-being of children and families in shelters, and supporting the long-term stability of families with children who leave shelters.