The Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless issued the following response to the City’s planned temporary closure of the 30th Street intake office and shelter, formerly known as Bellevue: “The Legal Aid Society and the Coalition for the Homeless are deeply concerned by reports that New York City plans to temporarily close the 30th Street Men’s Shelter and its intake offices. For decades, the 30th Street facility has served as the primary intake center for adult men and adult families across all five boroughs. Any disruption to this critical front door to shelter — especially on short notice — risks creating confusion and additional hardship for people who are already experiencing homelessness. “Serious concerns also remain about the speed at which the City appears to be moving. Many New Yorkers experiencing homelessness know 30th Street as the place to go when they need shelter. If intake is shifted or reconfigured, it will take time for people to learn new procedures and locations. Abrupt changes could leave people sleeping outside longer or deter individuals and families from seeking help. Current residents of the on-site shelter will also need to be relocated, and the City must ensure any moves are handled carefully and in ways that fully meet people’s access needs. “The fastest solution to these challenges would be ensuring that everyone who relies on this site has access to permanent, affordable housing. In the meantime, the current structure is antiquated and clients deserve a safe and appropriate facility. If the City proceeds with a temporary closure to make necessary repairs, the process must be handled thoughtfully and transparently. That means clearly communicating, with ample notice, where and how adult men and adult families will access shelter intake in Manhattan, and ensuring outreach teams, community partners, and the public have accurate and consistent information. “The City must ensure that any alternative intake location in Manhattan is fully accessible to people with disabilities and that every New Yorker can access shelter without physical or logistical barriers. If the City proceeds with a temporary closure to make necessary repairs, the process must be handled thoughtfully and transparently, and the Mamdani Administration must ensure the repairs are completed as quickly as possible.”
