Immigration
Nonprofit receives $100K for emergency migrant relief fund
The Havens Relief Fund Society was among 66 organizations awarded grant funding from the New York Community Trust.
Migrants arriving at a midtown Manhattan hotel earlier this month. Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
Among the recipients of the New York Community Trust’s latest round of grants is the Havens Relief Fund Society, which received $100,000 to create an emergency relief fund to help and support the recent influx of migrants in New York City.
Havens, an organization that aims to support the self-determination of at-risk New York City individuals and families, also will use the funding to cover volunteer and staffing work.
“The current wave of migrants were thrust into New York City with little more than the clothes on their back. The Trust felt it was urgent to help meet their basic needs as they settle in for the long term or travel the last mile to their desired destination.” said Eve Stotland, New York Community Trust Senior Program Officer for Education and Human Justice.
The Trust has been providing grants since 1924 to help support the lives of residents of New York City and its suburbs. Its latest round of grants, totaling 11.4 million, went to 66 organizations that tackle New York City’s most pressing challenges. Some of the categories of grants include homelessness, young women’s activism, health, youth development and education.
More than 20,000 migrants have arrived in New York City in the past few months. Now, Mayor Eric Adams predicts up to 100,000 migrants will enter New York City, costing an upwards of $1 billion.
"The Havens Relief Fund Society has been providing immediate, personal emergency relief in New York City for over 150 years. We are so grateful to partner with The New York Community Trust to expand our ability to reach and welcome these newcomers to New York City.” said Allison McDermott, Executive Director, Havens Relief Fund Society. “People in crisis understand their needs best and our unique network of volunteers who live and/or work within low-income communities across all five boroughs are in the perfect position to act quickly to meet those needs. Haven's grants can often fill unique gaps that cannot be funded by other more restricted emergency assistance providers."