New York City turns to houses of worship to shelter asylum seekers, Adams cites religious obligation to people in need
NEW YORK -- Mayor Eric Adams is turning to houses of worship as the latest locations to help house asylum seekers
The mayor believes the move will help asylum seekers better assimilate into the fabric of New York City.
Religious leaders of all faiths joined Adams at the City Hall rotunda to announce a two-year partnership to open their churches, synagogues and mosques to house asylum seekers.
"No matter what faith you practice, it is in all of our faiths that we're supposed to care for those who are in need. Not only is it on the Statue of Liberty, but it is on our texts that we look and read and study from," said Adams.
The 50 houses of worship will each offer overnight shelter for up to 19 single, adult men for a total of 950 people. The city will open five daytime centers for the men to use when the houses of worship pursue normal activities.
Adams said there is a religious obligation to shelter people in need.
"As a Christian, Christian scripture reminds us, 'Love thy neighbor as thyself and welcome the stranger among us,'" said Adams. "These sites will also connect asylum seekers with strong community networks. That is so important when you look at the feeling of isolation and not being part of a community."
"We have at least two houses of worship on Staten Island who have stepped forward, and they will be opening up their doors to people in need," said Rev. Terry Troia, of Project Hospitality.
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The faith-based partnership was announced as the city has been coping with the needs of more than 72,000 asylum seekers largely on its own. Once again, Adams slammed the federal government for giving the city less than $40 million of the $800 million in FEMA money allotted to the problem.
"That's enough to pay for five days," said Adams.
"So brothers and sisters of faith, this is the moment, if we love God as god loves us, if we care for others as God cares for us," said Troia. "Then now, we need to step up, step out. We need to open our hearts as we open our doors."
Adams said putting asylum seekers up in houses of worship is cheaper than putting them in hotels.
The city is still awaiting final approval to use a hangar at Kennedy Airport to house approximately 850 asylum seekers, Adams said.
