As the year comes to a close, many migrants currently residing in upstate New York hotels under a contract with DocGo — a company tasked with managing their temporary housing — are facing the reality that they must leave by December 31. This change comes as the contract between New York City and DocGo is set to expire. However, New York City’s reliance on hotels as migrant shelters is far from over. The city is preparing to bid for new contracts to secure approximately 14,000 hotel rooms to address ongoing migrant needs, reinforcing a crucial part of the city’s sanctuary facility program.
NYC’s Department of Homeless Services: New Bids for Hotel Shelters
Even with a recent decline in migrant encounters at the southern border, New York City is pushing ahead to maintain adequate shelter capacity. The Department of Homeless Services (DHS) is now soliciting bids from hotels to secure long-term accommodations for incoming migrants. The Hotel Association of NYC has announced its intention to apply for the new shelter contract, led by its president and CEO Vijay Dandapani. In a statement, Dandapani confirmed, “We will be filling in the RFP [request for proposal].” Presently, the association’s foundation receives about $100,000 per month for overseeing three existing contracts with the city.
DHS clarified that this upcoming contract is a competitive bid rather than an extension of the current emergency contract. The purpose is to guarantee sufficient shelter space for both current migrants and those expected to arrive in the coming months.
Migrants Face a Hard Deadline: Transition Plans Are Underway
As December approaches, the city has informed migrants through letters that they need to secure an exit plan before the end of the year. For those who lack alternative arrangements, New York City’s shelter option will shift to temporary placements, each limited to 30-60 days. DocGo spokesperson Tommy Meara shared that migrants can access various transition programs, which include support from state and local housing initiatives, options to stay with family or friends, or relocation back to the city’s arrival centers for asylum-seekers.
To aid migrants in planning their next steps, Mayor Eric Adams’ office has launched an “exit planning team” that will remain on-site to assist over the next three months. This team will help coordinate with other resources, including the state’s Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which has already started transitioning families with children into local housing programs.
Albany and Other Upstate Cities Coordinate for Migrant Support
Albany County, one of the primary locations where migrants have been temporarily housed, is taking steps to ensure a smooth transition for affected families. County spokesperson Mary Rozak noted that Albany County will soon meet with New York City officials to discuss next steps. Partnering with Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, the county is offering workforce development and other supportive services, while the Ibero-American Action League aids families through the state’s Migrant Relocation Assistance Program (MRAP).
Mayor Adams’ office also reported that around 1,800 migrants currently staying in upstate hotels are expected to transition into permanent housing by year’s end, using state-funded voluntary relocation programs like MRAP. These initiatives aim to place migrant families in more stable housing environments across New York State, including Albany County, which has already successfully placed over 400 families. Many more are anticipated to benefit from MRAP’s efforts, while those who decline participation will explore other available options.
The Road Ahead: More Hotel Rooms Through 2025
With demand showing no sign of abating, New York City is planning to secure around 14,000 hotel rooms through 2025 to continue sheltering migrants. This new bid, backed by the Hotel Association of NYC, will allow the city to maintain its support for asylum-seekers while preparing for anticipated future arrivals. As the current DocGo contract nears expiration, the city’s proactive measures aim to provide a semblance of stability for the thousands of migrants navigating complex transitions during this challenging period.
In sum, while the current hotel contracts may be expiring, New York City’s commitment to providing sanctuary remains robust. Through the expanded use of hotel accommodations, dedicated exit teams, and partnerships with local organizations, the city is working to ensure that migrants in need have the support they require as they look toward a more permanent future in New York and beyond.
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