In-the-News Update [Issue: Civil-Safe Society]

Numerous reports suggest that homeless veterans in New York are being callously forced out of hotels to accommodate a growing influx of migrants from the southern border. The Yerik Israel Toney Foundation, which supports U.S. military veterans, claims that 20 homeless veterans were abruptly told to end their stays at hotels near New York City, leaving them to find alternative housing options. 

Sharon Toney-Finch, the CEO of the foundation, revealed that 15 veterans were ousted from the Crossroads Hotel in Newburgh, while five others were hastily relocated from a Super 8 and a Hampton Inn and Suites in Middletown. Allegedly, this displacement was initiated by New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who has been transferring migrants, including those who illegally entered the U.S. and await court dates, to Orange County, where Newburgh and Middletown are located. 

Distressed veterans, including individuals who served in Vietnam and Afghanistan, reached out to Toney-Finch after being informed of their abrupt eviction. Despite efforts to secure permanent housing in the Hudson Valley area, Toney-Finch expressed deep concern about the shattered trust between the veterans and the foundation as a result of this forced move. 

Furthermore, Toney-Finch highlighted the unfairness of the situation, noting that hotels receive more substantial payments from New York City to house migrants than the foundation receives to support homeless veterans. State Assemblyman Brian Maher echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the well-being of American veterans should be prioritized over the accommodation of migrants.