Posted on October 9, 2024 by G. Worth National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Americans, whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. As New Yorkers, we embrace the diversity and rich cultural contributions of our Hispanic and Latinx neighbors, whose presence and influence in our community have shaped the city we live in today for the better. But during times of celebration, it can be easy to forget the vulnerable individuals and families who have recently come here searching for a better life. Many new arrivals coming to New York are fleeing their homeland, because of humanitarian crises, ranging from natural disasters to persecution for who they are, extreme lack of necessary resources, and political corruption. Immigrants from all over, including from Haiti, Syria, Sudan, and Venezuela are coming to our city for sanctuary. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we spotlight Venezuela to shed light on some of these difficulties. For years, the South American country has encountered profound economic and political instability including hyperinflation, food shortages, lack of medical care, and increasing violence. These issues compound, and – according to UNHCR – have resulted in more than 7.7 million fleeing their homeland, in search of a better life. Venezuelans are embarking on long and often dangerous journeys, leaving behind family and friends, intent on casting a new, brighter future for themselves and their family. New York has long been a sanctuary for immigrants, offering not only opportunity but also the promise of a fresh start. However, their arrival has been fraught with challenges anew. First and foremost, City and State leaders, who are constitutionally obligated to provide “aid, care, and support of the needy” are, by and large, shirking their responsibilities to shelter and protect the most vulnerable. Instead, they are instigating counterproductive measures like attempting to dismantle long-standing Right to Shelter protections, or implementing inhumane shelter limits, displacing thousands, with no effective reception and relocation plan in place. Beyond that, navigating the complexities of the U.S. immigration system, finding affordable housing, securing employment, and accessing education and healthcare adds layers of difficulty. For the past two years, the Coalition for the Homeless has been fighting to protect the legal Right To Shelter for long-term New Yorkers and new arrivals alike and, in March 2024, reached a settlement in court. This included the court extending the Coalition’s role as independent monitor of city shelter to the facilities for new arrivals as well. To fulfill this responsibility of ensuring the conditions of such shelters are safe and legally compliant, the Coalition has created the ENACT (Expediting New Arrivals’ Community Transition) team consisting of bilingual staff with lived or personal experience with Venezuelan and other migrant communities. As such, in addition to monitoring shelter facilities, the ENACT team advocates to ensure New Arrival individuals and families are not overlooked, that they have a clear grasp of the system, and that they are provided with the resources and support they need to thrive. Alejandro Barreat, a member of the ENACT Team, shares reflections in his own experience, and the work he does every single day. “As a Venezuelan immigrant myself, I know the journey to a new beginning can be tough. All of the Venezuelan folks that I encounter and work with at the New York City shelters and reticketing centers are faced with the uncertainty and fear that comes with starting over in a new place. So, in my role as an ENACT team monitor, I strive to be a helping hand and a voice of hope that turns that fear into opportunity. I want those taking their first steps towards a new life in the United States to know they’re not alone—we offer resources that can make their transition a little bit easier”. Asylum seekers and other new arrivals are not merely victims of circumstance. They are also contributors to the economic, cultural, and social fabric of our city. Many come with a wealth of skills, experience, and determination to succeed. They bring with them their traditions, music, art, and food—infusing the city with new layers of culture that enrich its already diverse landscape. As we reflect on Hispanic Heritage Month, it is vital to enjoy not only the contributions of established Hispanic communities but also to stand in solidarity with those who are newly arriving. These individuals and families who are striving for a better life, and their resilience reminds us we are all here, because New York is a city of dreamers, of fighters, and of future shapers.
