Credit: Marc A. Hermann / MTA New York City Transit on Flickr
New York City will open a network of 24-hour “welcome centers” in the subway system, where social workers will help connect homeless New Yorkers with supportive services and shelter. As first reported by Crain’s, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office plans to open up to five of these facilities in subway stations to assist people struggling with mental health issues who have taken up residence in the transit system. The initiative is part of a $40 million investment in the state budget to fund outreach teams to build relationships with the unhoused and connect them with aid.
Hochul’s office is working with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Mayor Eric Adams’ administration to determine locations for the new centers. The facilities will likely be housed in underutilized retail storefronts at major subway stations, which are owned by the MTA, such as 42nd Street-Times Square. However, the centers will not offer shelter beds.
This approach has gained support from several mayoral candidates, including Assembly Member Zohran Mamdani, State Sen. Jessica Ramos, and attorney Jim Walden…