Where To Go
Securing Shelter
What To Expect

A DHS Guiding Principle states that that all homeless individuals and families deserve safe, temporary shelter and that planning for permanent housing should begin immediately. A wide range of services are available to help you as you work to transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

WHERE TO GO (back to top)

DHS provides temporary emergency shelter to homeless individuals in a safe environment. There are a variety of ways for you to receive services.

“DROP IN” AT OUR DROP-IN CENTERS

In partnership with non-profit organizations, DHS sponsors nine Drop-In Centers located throughout the City. Drop-Ins provide hot meals, showers, laundry facilities, clothing, medical care, recreational space, employment referrals, and other social services. Staff can also help you find a safe and secure place to sleep. All Drop-Ins operate 24/7 – so please come by.

Dial 311 to contact any Drop-In Center, receive directions, or other information. Drop-In Centers are located at:

MANHATTAN
Grand Central Neighborhood
120 East 32nd Street
NY, NY 10017

John Heuss House
42 Beaver Street
NY, NY 10004

Olivieri Center for Women
257 West 30th Street
NY, NY 10001

The Open Door
402 West 41st Street
NY, NY 10036

Neighborhood Center for Homeless People
237 East 77th Street
NY, NY 10028

Peter’s Place
123 West 23rd Street
NY, NY 10011

Project Rescue
315 Bowery
NY, NY 10003

BRONX
The Living Room
890 Garrison Avenue
Bronx, NY 10011

BROOKLYN
Bond Street Drop-In Center
39-41 Bond Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

The Gathering Place
2402 Atlantic Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11233

STATEN ISLAND
Project Hospitality Drop-In Center
25 Central Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10036

SECURING SHELTER (back to top)

DHS operates the most comprehensive shelter services system for single adults in the world – with programs to assist individuals in addressing and overcoming their homelessness to securing and sustaining permanent housing. To enter a shelter, you must first visit an intake center. As noted below, there is one intake center for men and three for women.

Dial 311 to receive directions and other information on the following intake centers:

30th Street Intake (Men)
400-430 East 30th Street (near 1st Avenue)
NY, NY 10016

Brooklyn Women’s Shelter (Women)
116 Williams Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Franklin Shelter (Women)
1122 Franklin Avenue
Bronx, NY 10456

Jamaica Armory (Women)
93-05 168th Street
Jamaica, NY 11434

WHAT TO EXPECT (back to top)

After visiting an intake center, trained social services and professional staff will assess your unique needs and assign you to a shelter with expertise in addressing those needs. All programs are designed to help clients overcome homelessness.

Some of DHS’ programs include counseling, case management, employment training, mental health rehabilitation, specialized services for veterans, substance abuse treatment, and various programs for the elderly. Social workers, employment specialists, housing/vocational counselors, and health coordinators work closely with clients in an individualized approach that aims to provide clients with the skills needed to achieve the highest level of self-sufficiency.

All adults entering the shelter system are expected to work with shelter staff to accomplish this goal. Clients will be asked to follow an Independent Living Plan, participate in programs that meet their needs, and follow shelter guidelines that keep clients and staff safe.