PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Josanna Vaz, ESL Instructor and Advocate from Fifth Avenue Committee
5:11:46
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156 sec
Josanna Vaz, an ESL instructor and advocate from Fifth Avenue Committee, testified about the challenges faced by asylum seekers due to the 60-day shelter stay limit. She highlighted how this policy negatively impacts their ability to learn English, integrate into the community, and maintain mental health.
- The constant evictions and transfers disrupt the continuity of English language education, forcing a focus on "survival English" rather than comprehensive language skills.
- The policy creates instability and anxiety among shelter residents, hampering their ability to establish themselves and secure stable employment.
- Vaz urged the city to stop these "inhumane policies" that destabilize lives and worsen the homelessness crisis, calling for more support and stability for asylum seekers.
Josanna Vaz
5:11:46
Good afternoon.
5:11:47
Thank you to chairs, Avilis and Ajala, for hosting this hearing.
5:11:53
My name is Josana Vaz, and I'm an ESL instructor and advocate at Fifth Avenue Committee.
5:11:59
A 46 year old nonprofit community developed co development corporation rooted in South Brooklyn.
5:12:07
Our mission is to advance economic, social, and racial justice across New York City.
5:12:12
Each year, we serve nearly 7,000 participants, many of whom are newly arrived New Yorkers.
5:12:20
Since June, we've been conducting English classes at a men's shelter in Brooklyn to teach English as a second language, but also to help these men integrate into the community, find employment, and navigate their asylum seeking processes to continue their journey here in the US.
5:12:37
However, a significant obstacle to our work is the limited time we have with each student.
5:12:44
After just 4 to 6 weeks, they are evicted from the shelter and new students arrive.
5:12:51
Because of this, we've adapt our curriculum to teach what we call survival English.
5:12:57
While practical in the short term, it is far from enough for these men to truly integrate into the community, secure stable employment, and gain confidence in speaking English, they need continuous education and support.
5:13:14
In addition to these challenges, I've observed how this timeline negatively impacts mental health.
5:13:21
These men are already facing the hardships of living in a shelter, and the constant instability only heightens their anxiety.
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They begin their classes and start making progress, only to be abruptly transferred to a shelter far away.
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These uncertainties surrounding their housing situation creates a deep sense of instability in their lives.
5:13:45
It's it is not only necessary, but
Rita C. Joseph
5:13:49
Thank you.
Gale A. Brewer
5:13:49
Your time expired.
Josanna Vaz
5:13:50
Unnecessary, but cruel to impose such conditions on human beings.
5:13:55
I just wanna thank you and say that we urge the city to put a stop to these inhumane policies that destabilize lives, puts people on the street, and worsens the homelessness crisis.
5:14:07
We also urge the administration to share updates and accurate data on the impact of these policies.
5:14:14
These New Yorkers deserve the opportunity to build a better future and that starts with stability and support.
5:14:20
Thank you for your time and consideration.
