Advocates warn budget cuts could jeopardize vital benefits services
For many immigrant families, the center serves as a first stop for navigating an unfamiliar system and accessing resources that can help them get back on their feet.
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Each day, New Yorkers walk through the doors of the Arab American Family Support Center looking for help with some of life's most basic needs: food, housing, health care, financial assistance and language support.
For many immigrant families, the center serves as a first stop for navigating an unfamiliar system and accessing resources that can help them get back on their feet.
"This program is very important for me and for my for my wife because our first language is French. I must learn English better to insert us into the American life," said program participant Mohamed Den.
Now, advocates say those services could be at risk.
The NYC Benefits program, which helps connect residents to public assistance and other essential resources, was not included in the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 city budget. Community organizations warn that without dedicated funding, thousands of New Yorkers could lose access to programs that help them meet basic needs.
"It could mean that families are not accessing things like, ways to secure food for their family, or they might not have health care to meet some of their basic needs," said Reham Bader of the Arab American Family Support Center.
The potential impact extends beyond benefits enrollment. Organizations that rely on the funding also offer services such as English as a Second Language classes, which many newcomers depend on to navigate everyday life, communicate with service providers and build connections in their communities.
According to Bader, language barriers remain one of the biggest obstacles facing many of the families they serve.
"Last year alone, 70% of the families that we assisted did not speak English as their first language. That barrier alone will cause families to no longer access to the benefits that they need in order to survive."
With the city's July 1 budget deadline fast approaching, advocates are ramping up pressure on City Hall. A petition calling for long-term funding has gained support from community members and nonprofit organizations concerned about the future of the program.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani said his administration is continuing discussions about affordability and access to services as budget negotiations enter their final stages.
"We're always looking for ways that we can make it easier for working people to afford to live in the city, and that's one of the many conversations we're having. It's going to be over the course of the weekend and into early next week."
For organizations on the front lines, the debate is about more than line items in a budget. They say the outcome could determine whether thousands of families continue to receive the support they need to put food on the table, access health care and navigate life in New York City.
