Holy help: City should take houses of worship up on migrant housing offer

It’s not surprising that dozens of faith institutions around the city, ranging from churches to synagogues to mosques and more, have stepped up and expressed interest in housing and feeding newly-arrived migrants. What’s surprising is that Mayor Adams, who has consistently decried the costs of accommodating migrants, isn’t immediately grabbing at the initiative.

It doesn’t make much sense to not accept help that is readily offered, especially by institutions that are genuinely in it to make things better and not to make a quick buck, an unfortunate rarity. The houses of worship alone certainly aren’t going to be able to address the immense need when it comes to arriving asylum seekers, with thousands arriving here per month, but the city must be more than receptive to every good faith offer. All alternate solutions to the shelter system must be considered for arriving migrants.

We’ve written in these pages for months that, in addition to the state and federal assistance that should really have been part of the solution from the beginning, officials could turn to volunteers in NYC and other communities who could take on and diffuse some of the responsibility, with proper oversight.

After the embarrassing missteps at Orchard Beach and Randalls Island, there’s no time to wait. Here is a good-to-go offer on the table from a sizable group of volunteer organizations able, ready and willing to assist their fellow human beings in time of great need. Say yes.

Before Adams announces that City Hall is being forced to open up another massive emergency shelter in some far flung corner of the city or contract with an additional hotel, he should grasp this extended hand. Let the members of these congregations and other volunteers and regular New Yorkers play a role in helping migrants get on their feet. This is often the main thing many need before moving on to other cities or stabilizing themselves enough not to need assistance. Take it on faith, Mr. Mayor.