SETTLING IN

The Y Supports Asylum Seekers Making A New Home In NYC

ycAs New York City welcomes large numbers of asylum seekers, YMCAs across the five boroughs have looked for ways to support our newest neighbors as they settle in and integrate into their new communities. Our New Americans Initiative has partnered with Welcome.Us to mobilize Americans to sponsor those seeking refuge in the U.S. from Ukraine, Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela. The Y is also providing asylum seekers with wrap around support such as resources and referrals for legal, education, housing and other critical services, case management, free English language classes, workforce training and civics education.

Y programs such as Y Afterschool, Summer Rising, summer camp, and early childhood programs have enrolled asylum seekers, and some YMCAs, such as the Greenpoint Y, offered them special scholarships. Our Y Community Markets at Coney Island, Flatbush, and North Brooklyn have provided free food and hygiene products to those in need, while the Long Island City and Ridgewood Ys partnered with Assembly Member Juan Ardila to host clothing drives for families. Finally, Y housing locations have collaborated with Seafarers International and Samaritan Village to rent rooms or offer transitional housing.•