Some liberal cities and states have expanded how they deal with the surge of migrants entering their jurisdictions, including asking residents to help house migrants to ease pressure on shelter systems. ing.
Denver officials recently told local media that the city is exploring alternative ways to house immigrants. Fox 31 reports that the city recently sent an email to rental property owners in Denver asking if they were interested in renting to immigrants in need of housing.
This comes as the city cuts its budget deficit by nearly $60 million and cuts immigration services to consolidate shelters.
Denver pleads with property owners to rent to immigrant ‘newcomers’
“We put our tentacles out to all the landlords we have connections with,” said a Denver Human Services official. outlet. “We basically said, listen, we’re going to have some newcomers who need housing.”
They set the rent cap at $2,000 and say the effort is supported by nonprofit organizations that provide various forms of housing to immigrants.
A group of immigrants receives food in Chicago on January 12, 2024. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)
But it’s one of many ideas being floated as a solution by cities that feel overwhelmed by immigration.
In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams floated the idea in June of eventually housing immigrants in private housing and paying the landlords who own the homes. He hinted at this when announcing that a number of faith-based services have agreed to protect immigrants.
“My vision is to take the next step into these faith-based locations and then move into private residences,” he said. “We could take that $4.2 billion that we potentially have to spend, or maybe $4.3 billion right now, and instead of putting it in the pockets of corporations, we could put it in the pockets of everyday New Yorkers, in their daily worship services. Some of those companies are from out of town.”
In the sanctuary city of Chicago, suburban lawmakers in January proposed allowing residents to register to welcome immigrants into their homes.
“You know, we’re hearing from voters on both sides of this issue about what we’re going to do to pre-emptively stop this, and we’re also hearing from people who say we should do more. So, we have a very affluent community, we have a lot of big homes, so what I would like to do is instruct the staff to create a registration sheet for individuals who are willing to take in immigrant families. That’s true,” said Josh McBroom, a city councilman in Naperville, Illinois.
Migrants at a temporary shelter at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport on August 31, 2023. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
“And if there are people who do that, God bless them. So I think if we can raise awareness that way, we need to find out who the immigrant families are.” “I think we need to find someone who is willing to accept that,” he said.
The proposal was later rejected by the Naperville City Council, according to Patch.com. determine the state And federal agencies would deal with such actions.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams wants to house immigrants in church, suggests private residence first
In Massachusetts, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll asked residents to open their doors in August due to a shortage of shelters in the state.
“Most importantly, if you have an additional room or suite in your home, please consider hosting a family. Housing and shelter are our most urgent needs, and we encourage you to become a sponsoring family. Please,” said Mr. Driscoll.
Driscoll’s comments echoed a statement from Gov. Maura Healey, who called on residents to “extend a helping hand.”
Massachusetts officials ask for ‘assistance’ from residents, provide ‘extra room’ for immigrants
“This is a national problem that requires a national response,” Healey said at a news conference. “In the meantime, we’re just asking.” federal government government It’s about leveraging the tools already available to give brave parents the opportunity to work and provide for their families. At the same time, we are calling on everyone in Massachusetts to come together and help our state get through this moment. ”
Meanwhile, in February, state officials in Michigan asked residents to house refugees in their homes and help resettle them. The state Department of Labor and Economic Development said volunteers who wish to participate must be active for at least 90 days as part of the Refugee Assistance Program.
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Sponsors are expected to support newly arrived refugees by meeting them at the airport, securing and preparing initial housing, enrolling children in school, and helping adults find employment.
Fox News’ Michael Dorgan, Danielle Wallace and Greg Wehner contributed to this report.
