February 5th 2024.
New York City is launching a new program aimed at providing financial assistance to migrants who are unable to access traditional banking services. The program, which has been developed in partnership with Mobility Capital Finance, will distribute pre-paid debit cards to 500 families to be used exclusively at bodegas, supermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores. This initiative is estimated to save the city $7.2 million annually while also supporting the local economy.
Wole Coaxum, the CEO of Mobility Capital Finance, shared the program's goal of expanding financial resources for individuals who are excluded from banking, such as asylum seekers, while also helping them establish themselves in their new home. He expressed his honor in being a part of this effort to welcome and support asylum seekers as they begin to build their lives in the United States.
The program will initially be available to 500 families, but City Hall plans to expand it to more families if successful. However, not everyone is on board with the program. City councilman Joe Borelli has accused the program of giving migrants a "free ride" at the expense of taxpayers. He believes that the city is just giving this population more free stuff, rather than finding a sustainable solution.
In reality, the program is similar to an EBT card and is actually a more cost-effective option than the current system of providing non-perishable food boxes to migrant families staying in hotels. The city is currently facing a high demand for food and has received reports of food being wasted at various shelters, raising questions about the quality of the food being served.
Immigration advocate Power Malu has criticized the program for another reason, stating that it may not be practical for migrants to purchase food they cannot cook. With rising food costs and limited access to cooking facilities, he questions how they will be able to purchase the food they desire. However, the Mayor's office has released a statement emphasizing that this program is a continuation of the city's management of the crisis. They have been working tirelessly to find new ways to better serve the hundreds of individuals and families who arrive every day, both those seeking shelter and longtime New Yorkers.
This program is just one of the ways that New York City has led the nation in managing the national humanitarian crisis. Since the spring of 2022, the city has provided compassion and care to over 173,000 migrants who have come through their intake system seeking shelter. It is a testament to their commitment to finding solutions and providing support to those in need.
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