NEW YORK (AP) New York City is buying one-way plane tickets for homeless families to leave the city.
It's part of a Bloomberg administration program to keep the homeless out of the expensive shelter system, which costs $36,000 a year per family. More than 550 families have left the city since 2007. All it takes is for a relative to agree to take them in.
The city employs a travel agency for domestic travel and the Department of Homeless Services handles international travel. City officials say there are no limits on where a family can be sent and families can reject the offer. Families have been sent to 24 states and five continents, mostly to Puerto Rico, Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. City officials say none of the relocated families have returned to city shelter
picture obtained from Google images
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009 11:23:00 AM
That is the most unusual program I've heard of lately. However, I can't help but think that at least as many have since come into the city during the same time period.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:42:00 PM
Interesting! I guess when you look at the $$ on paper it's cheaper this way. I wonder how it's working out in the long run. Huh, that really is so interesting.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009 6:09:00 PM
did not know this.....I wonder if the next time I need to travel I could get a ticket from them....I do need a ticket from JFK to Seattle...and the $700 per person is not making me happy! =)
Thursday, July 30, 2009 12:28:00 PM
You have got to be kidding me... that is terrible!