For asylum seekers arriving in New York City, facing the language barrier and navigating through the process of starting a new life can prove to be daunting tasks. 

A Bed-Stuy organization is helping those seeking asylum break down those barriers to adjust to their new lives here. 

Bridge Street Development Corporation helps to provide those seeking asylum with hot meals, legal services, clothes and more. 

“There’s only resources that are needed for them,” said Sonia Velazquez from Bridge Street Development. “That includes medical insurance, that includes medical services.” 

Lourdes and Tania Lema migrated from Ecuador on a six-week excursion, arriving to New York City around 15 days ago. They came to Bed-Stuy and connected with Bridge Street Development with hopes of making a better future for themselves and their children.  

“They are our new neighbors,” said Velazquez. “We need to help them, at least provide the resources that are eligible for them to be able to obtain."