The New York City Emergency Management Department respite centers, which shelter approximately 1,900 asylum seekers, has implemented a curfew at four sites. Here is what it means for asylum seekers residing in them:
In short:
- There are exceptions: work, travel to school, legal appointment or medical needs, and emergencies.
- The curfew goes into effect from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m.
- Those who break curfew will be let back in at 6 a.m.
- Missed curfew? Cold Blue guarantees shelter during cold weather, see locations here
Why was the curfew implemented?
Citing efficient bed capacity management, NYCEM emergency sites will implement curfews matching those already in place at sites operated by the Department of Homeless Services (DHS).
Also Read: Code Blue: Connecting Homeless People to Emergency Shelter in Extreme Cold Weather
“Beginning this week, we will be instituting a curfew policy at our NYCEM emergency sites, in line with curfews already in place at traditional DHS shelters that serve New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. This policy will allow for more efficient capacity management for migrants in the city’s care,” a spokesperson for City Hall told Documented.
The curfew goes into effect from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes. According to City Hall, exceptions include work, travel to school, legal appointment or medical needs, and emergencies.
What happens if you are not able to return to the respite center on time?
Individuals, without a valid exceptions, who have stayed outside past the 11 p.m. curfew will be let in the shelter at 6 a.m. the next day.
If you find yourself outside and are unable to find shelter in the cold weather, you can find refuge in temporary shelter buses and drop-in centers. Find the locations here: Code Blue: Connecting Homeless People to Emergency Shelter in Extreme Cold Weather
Are all shelters implementing the curfew?
No, the newly announced curfew will only apply to four respite centers:
Queens: JFK Respite Center, and the Queens Shelter on 35th St
Manhattan: Lincoln Shelter on 110th Street
Brooklyn: Stockton Street Shelter
Keep in mind that shelters operated by DHS already have curfews in place. You can find more information here.
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