NYC Seeks More Hotel Rooms For Migrants, Spending To Surpass $2.3 Billion

New York City’s Department of Homeless Services is working to secure 14,000 additional hotel rooms to house the growing number of migrants arriving in the city. The expansion is expected to continue through 2025, with the city’s spending on migrant housing projected to exceed $2.3 billion over the past two years and the current fiscal year.

The city is currently utilizing about 150 hotels to provide shelter for migrants. Total spending on migrant services over the next three years is anticipated to reach $5.76 billion, driven largely by housing costs and services. The surge in migrant arrivals has placed immense pressure on the city’s housing system, and officials are turning to hotels as a temporary solution to meet the growing demand.

Mayor Eric Adams’ administration is facing criticism over the rising costs, with concerns about the sustainability of relying on hotels for long-term housing. The financial burden of sheltering migrants has become a major issue, with city officials acknowledging that housing costs alone have already reached billions of dollars.

While the city scrambles to secure more rooms, the costs to taxpayers continue to mount, leaving many questioning how much longer the city can maintain this approach. As the migrant crisis shows no signs of slowing down, finding a permanent solution remains a top priority for local leaders.