We’ve been greeting them with love and empathy as they arrive in NYC. This morning was a 530am call time. Three buses arrived back to back to back at 650am. They say that this is the warmest welcome they’ve received since they began their trek to the US. We do not sugar coat anything. We explain to them that there is a serious issue with unhoused and mentally ill in NYC that unfortunately has progressively gotten worse. We tell them that there have been corrupt officials that have stolen funds that were supposed to go to programs that would help the unhoused community and the mental health crisis yet no one is held accountable. We tell them to be aware at all times when walking around the street and taking the subway. We tell them that the shelter system is like being in the prison system with the difference being that they get to go outside for the day but must return by a certain time to claim their bed. We tell them they are going to witness arguments, a lot of yelling, and maybe physical assaults. They should avoid making eye contact with someone clearly having a mental breakdown especially that there may be a language barrier that can exacerbate a situation. They share horror stories of witnessing rapes, robberies, and people perishing through out the 2 month trek it has taken them to get here. Clearly they too need therapy to help with their trauma. We are doing our best to help them and guide them but need more people to get involved. Spanish speaking volunteers are needed to support them in this process. This first pic is taken by my sis @lilah.mejia shows me outside one of the shelters answering the many questions asked by a group of young migrants. We have been following up with them to make sure they are ok as they embark on this new journey inside this system. I look around and see so many other unhoused New Yorkers that need our help as well. Hit up Lilah or DM me if you speak Spanish and are willing to volunteer your time. The system needs an overhaul. #MutualAid