What’s Happening in Our Neighborhood
Developers have acquired 225 25th Street with the aim of converting the building into a permanent homeless shelter. Once established, the NYC Department of Homeless Services will have the authority to select a non-profit organization to manage and oversee the shelter. This is a common practice in New York City -- and while the developers will have control over the construction, they will not be involved in the actual management and operations of the shelter.
In NYC's process, shelters have to undergo multiple approval and certification processes before opening to ensure that they are safe and comply with regulations. These reviews go through city agencies like the Fire Department (FDNY) and the Department of Buildings (DOB), which reviews all construction applications, and the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), which certifies and inspects all homeless shelters in New York State. Due to the checkered history of the developers who purchased the building, our primary concern is to guarantee that any renovations to the building adhere to building codes, ensuring the safety of future occupants. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of selecting a non-profit that is well-respected and committed to engaging with residents to facilitate the integration of our new neighbors.
A New Permanent Shelter Will Make Us More Safe
New York City’s Right to Shelter ensures that every homeless individual has access to shelter. While temporary hotel accommodations can provide immediate relief, they often lack the stability and comprehensive support services that a permanent shelter offers. A permanent shelter in our neighborhood would not only provide a safe and secure environment for some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers but also foster a sense of community and stability. Permanent shelters are staffed with professionals who can address residents' needs more effectively, offering social services, job training, and mental health support. This holistic approach reduces the risk of homelessness and associated issues in the long run. Moreover, integrating a permanent shelter within our community helps build trust and cooperation, making our neighborhood safer and more cohesive.
While we continue to advocate for long-term, permanently affordable housing, it is essential to recognize the urgent need for shelters. The current housing crisis in New York City has left many individuals and families without a stable place to live, making immediate assistance crucial. Shelters provide the necessary support and a safe haven for those in need while long-term solutions are being developed and implemented. By ensuring that people have access to shelters, we address the immediate needs of our most vulnerable neighbors, providing them with the resources and stability required to transition to permanent housing when it becomes available. This dual approach—supporting both immediate shelter and long-term affordable housing—ensures that we are meeting the current crisis head-on while working towards a sustainable future for all New Yorkers.
What We’re Asking For Instead
While some opponents of the shelter cite "fair share" requirements, we recognize that this is not about avoiding our responsibility to provide shelters, but highlighting how many neighborhoods have refused to host any at all. Amidst a housing crisis, with 1 in 24 New Yorkers currently homeless, we understand the urgent need for safe, temporary shelter for our most vulnerable residents until long-term, stable housing can be secured.
As supportive, empathetic neighbors, we urge our representatives and the City to take into account our demands for this new shelter:
Informed by feedback from homeless neighbors, we want to ensure that the new long-term shelter will provide a safe and dignified home. As a result, we encourage a "safe haven" model over a "congregate" model.
We want to make sure that unhoused residents in Community Board 7 and from the surrounding neighborhoods are prioritized in placement.
We want to have a direct relationship with whatever non-profit provider is placed within the shelter and that said provider is prepared to enter our vibrant and diverse neighborhood especially with experience working with immigrant communities and language justice.
Keep an open, thoughtful, and educational dialogue with community members during the shelter siting process.
Why a safe haven model? The reason we are advocating for a safe haven over a congregate shelter is that it offers more privacy and dignity for our neighbors. Unlike traditional shelters, which often have 30-50 cots in a large, shared space (congregate settings), safe havens typically provide 1-4 person rooms. This setup allows individuals to maintain their belongings, stay in a safer environment, and, when space permits, even keep their service animals with them. Additionally, safe havens offer supportive services such as psychiatric care, medical assistance, case management, and housing and harm-reduction specialists, among other resources tailored to residents’ needs.
Safe havens are also more effective. According to city data from 2020 to 2022 on the outcomes of end-of-line subway outreach, 63% of individuals offered safe haven beds stayed long-term, compared to only 24% of those placed in traditional shelters.