February 3, 2026 The Coalition for the Homeless and The Legal Aid Society issued the following statement on the newly announced opening of the Pearl Street Safe Haven shelter in Lower Manhattan: “We strongly support the City’s decision to fast-track the opening of a new low-barrier Safe Haven shelter in Lower Manhattan. The historic cold stretch has been made more deadly by the lack of safe, welcoming places for those living on the streets to come inside to find warmth and safety. “For years, we have urged the City to increase the number of Safe Haven beds, particularly in Lower Manhattan where the need has been so great. The opening of the Pearl Street Safe Haven will make a positive difference in our community. “Every neighborhood in New York City has a role to play in ensuring that unhoused New Yorkers have a safe alternative to the streets and subways. Safe Havens have proven a very effective option for those whose past negative experiences in the congregate shelter system have made them understandably hesitant to return. Opening this site quickly will save lives and allow more people to move indoors with dignity and safety. “We urge the City to invest in more affordable housing options for this vulnerable population so they can then quickly move into permanent housing once indoors.”
