Report: New York paid homeless families to relocate to NC

According to a report by the New York Post, five families that were homeless in New York were sent just to Raleigh, arriving with a big check that covered their rent for a year.

According to the newspaper, the city of New York sent thousands of homeless people to destinations all over the country, including destinations in North Carolina.

The city covered their transportation costs and provided them with enough money for housing.

Five families were sent to Raleigh as part of the New York program.

But John Luckett, the chief executive officer for Raleigh Rescue Mission, said he was not aware of such a program.

"We didn't see an influx of anybody from any particular city," he said. "If it is true, I don't think that is a great practice, another city or state doing that."

Homeless New Yorkers were sent to other cities and towns, including Durham, Rocky Mount and Clayton. According to the New York Post, Fayetteville got the most: six.

The program is called the Special One-Time Assistance Program.

Since August 2017, the city spent nearly $90 million exporting nearly 12,500 people out of New York.

That is on top of travel costs and other expenses.

That figure is less than what it costs to shelter those homeless families in New York City, according to the Post.

Lorena McDowell, director of Wake County’s Affordable Housing and Community Revitalization, said she was not aware of New York's efforts either.

"I think it is incredibly unfortunate," she said. "It is definitely not a best practice and it isn't anything we would be looking to do here in Wake County."

Said Luckett: "Where we come from, we accept anyone who comes to our doors and we try to give them the proper services they need."