NYC Health + Hospitals today announced the closure of the NYC Arrival Center and the Roosevelt Hotel humanitarian center, marking a significant transition in the city’s response to the influx of asylum seekers since Spring 2022. The organization highlighted the work of its Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Center (HERRC) program, which has been central to the city’s efforts.
Since opening in May 2023, the Arrival Center served over 155,000 individuals, approximately two-thirds of the nearly 240,000 asylum seekers who have arrived in New York City. Staff at the center conducted over 300,000 visits, assisting individuals from more than 160 countries and speaking over 60 languages.
The HERRC program has provided temporary shelter and services to over 140,000 asylum seekers, including over 40,000 children. The HERRC Case Management program conducted nearly one million case management meetings and assisted over 90% of eligible adults in applying for or receiving work authorization.
Mayor Adams stated that New York City “stepped up” during the crisis, providing immediate support, vaccinations, temporary shelter, and schooling. He noted that no family with children was forced to sleep on the streets and that the city helped over 111,000 people apply for work authorization, TPS, and asylum.
NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Dr. Mitchell Katz emphasized the organization’s mission to provide healthcare as a human right, stating that the program was “rooted in compassion, dignity, and practical support.” Dr. Ted Long, Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Care and Population Health, added that asylum seekers were “met at the Arrival Center and our humanitarian centers on day one with care, respect, and the services they needed.”
Molly Schaeffer, Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office of Asylum Seeker Operations, described the Roosevelt Arrival Center as a “safe landing place and a launching pad” for thousands. Manuel Castro, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, remarked that future Americans may trace their family’s immigration story back to places like the Arrival Center.
The Arrival Center, located in the Roosevelt Hotel, operated 24 hours a day since May 19, 2023. It received approximately 32,000 people via chartered buses and planes. At its peak in September 2023, the facility received around 4,000 people per week; by early June, this number had decreased to less than one hundred per week.
Services at the Arrival Center included initial intake, medical screenings, behavioral health screenings, and vaccinations. Staff administered over 180,000 depression screenings and over 200,000 vaccinations, primarily to children for public school eligibility. Resource navigators connected asylum seekers to healthcare, legal support, childcare, and facilitated reconnections to desired destinations.
NYC Health + Hospitals launched its first HERRC in September 2022. At its peak in January 2024, the organization managed 16 humanitarian centers housing over 25,000 people, with three-quarters being families with children. NYC Health + Hospitals will continue to manage operations at the Row Hotel humanitarian center.
The HERRC Hospitality and Logistics team served approximately 40 million meals, reaching up to 75,000 meals daily at its peak. Culturally relevant and Halal-certified food options were provided, contributing to consumption rates consistently above 96%. Additionally, HERRC facilities distributed over 10 million baby wipes, 2.6 million diapers, and over 700,000 formula bottles and baby food jars.
The HERRC Case Management program, which began proactive efforts in October 2023, provided meetings to 99% of guests in city humanitarian centers. These efforts helped 71% of families with children in humanitarian centers leave the shelter system. Case managers also assisted in completing over 111,000 applications for work authorization, temporary protected status, and asylum, with over 90% of eligible adults completing or receiving work authorization.
A Case Management Community Advisory Board (CAB) was launched in April 2023, comprising approximately 30 organizations, to provide guidance and feedback.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
