The City of New York is trying out a new approach to stop the increase in the number of families with children in the shelter system: giving them money.

This month, the city will begin offering one-time $500 debit cards to doubled-up families and their hosts. Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks says the ultimate goal is to get them into their own apartments with a city rental subsidy.

“The key is here is to give the family time to use the rental assistance so that they can find permanent housing in the community rather than entering the shelter system,” Banks said.

More than 12,000 families with children currently live in the shelter system, and the number routinely goes up in the summer, when school year ends.

The program will cost $1.25 million this year.

Some providers who will be in charge of handing out the cards say they doubt the money will be enough to overcome the hardships of overcrowding.