(DailyChive.com) – The New York Post reported that New York City plans to launch a groundbreaking $53 million pilot program to support migrant families currently housed in hotels. The initiative involves giving pre-paid credit cards to 500 migrant families living at the Roosevelt Hotel, empowering them to buy essential items like food and baby supplies.
City records reveal the program aims to replace existing hotel food services with pre-paid cards, offering families more control over their dietary choices and baby care needs. New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ spokesperson highlighted the program’s dual benefits: empowering families to choose fresh food and necessary supplies while saving the city an estimated $600,000 monthly, or $7.2 million annually.
The assigned credit cards, usable only at grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores, come with strict guidelines. Eligible migrants are required to sign an affidavit and pledge to use the funds only for food and baby supplies or risk losing access to the funds.
The allocated amount varies based on family size and income, with a potential maximum of $1,000 per month for a family of four or roughly $35 per day for food. The cards are refilled every 28 days, as outlined in the contract reviewed by The Post. New Jersey-based Mobility Capital Finance (MoCaFi) will manage fund distribution in partnership with the city.
Wole Coaxum, CEO and founder of MoCaFi, expressed optimism about the collaboration, highlighting the company’s commitment to expanding financial access for marginalized groups and asylum seekers.
City officials plan to expand the program to all 15,000 migrant families accommodated in hotels, contingent upon the initial phase’s success. Since 2022, more than 150,000 migrants have arrived in New York City, which has put a lot of strain on municipal resources. Mayor Adams has called it a humanitarian crisis and estimates that the city’s spending on migrant food and housing would reach $12 billion over three years.
In response to the escalating situation, Mayor Adams embarked on a tour of Latin America in October, urging potential migrants in the region, including Mexico, to consider other destinations due to capacity constraints. Critics, however, raise concerns about the city’s sanctuary policies and migrant assistance, fearing they incentivize further immigration.
Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs echoed these concerns, comparing current immigration policies to promoting a large event with free amenities, suggesting they could worsen the situation.
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