32-20 Northern Blvd., where the HRA’s Refugee and Immigrant Job Center has been relocated. (Google Maps)
July 19, 2018 By Nathaly Pesantez
The city has relocated a center aimed at helping refugee and immigrants gain employment to Northern Boulevard in Long Island City.
The Human Resources Administration’s Refugee and Immigrant Job Center now operates out of 32-20 Northern Blvd., moving from its prior location at 88 Third Ave. in Brooklyn.
The center provides an “improved client experience,”with array of support and services to refugees and immigrants with the final goal of attaining self-sufficiency, the HRA said.
The Northern Boulevard building is closer to several public transportation options, and is outfitted with an array of in-center tools to help applicants gain access to benefits that will help get refugees on their feet, the agency said.
“At a time when the message from the federal government is that immigrants are not welcome, we reiterate our commitment to serving all New Yorkers who qualify for assistance and to making that service as easy and convenient as possible,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “Relocating the Refugee and Immigrant Job Center gives clients access to many of our recent self-service improvements at a location that is easy to reach.”
The building already includes a family services call center and a SNAP benefit center, and is outfitted with self-service check in kiosks and document scanners. The HRA says staff will assist clients with casework and employment plans, help them apply for benefits and cash assistance, and create online accounts for better tracking.
Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer said the new location sends the message that “immigrants and refugees are welcome here.”
“This new center is located in the heart of our diverse City – Queens. As we fight to protect every immigrant and refugee from a hostile administration in Washington D.C., we need to make sure that we have the ground work and infrastructure that is ready to provide services necessary to aide in the success of all.”
The center is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.nyc.gov/hra.
