BROOKLYN, N.Y. (PIX11) — An intake center for women entering the homeless shelter system will open soon by the New York City Department of Social Services and the organization HELP USA.
The HELP Women’s Center, which opens on March 30 at 114 Snedicker Ave. in East New York, will be the first of its kind in the city that will be only for women. The 60,000-square-foot building is five stories tall and will have 200 beds available for women who need shelter.
Discover more local reporting on our homepage
“This facility is what the future of shelter intake should look like as we phase out facilities that are outdated and make vital investments in new models,” said Commissioner Erin Dalton, NYC Department of Social Services.
The center was designed to support person-centered intake, assessment, and care. That helps create an environment that prioritizes safety, privacy, accessibility and stability.
“This is a critical entry point for women into the New York City shelter system. From the moment a woman walks through these doors, everything about the building design and the service model is centered on stabilization, respect and the transition back to sustainable, permanent housing. Having this type of environment will ultimately help shorten stays in shelter and ensure people are able to remain housed,” said Dan Lehman, President and CEO of HELP USA.
In recent years, homelessness in New York City has reached the highest level since the Great Depression of the 1930s. In January 2026, 100,437 people slept each night in NYC shelters, according to Coalition for the Homeless.
Stay connected with community stories that matter: Visit our homepage
In addition to being an intake center for homelessness, the HELP Women’s Center will have a communal dining room and full-service commercial kitchen, a laundry room, and a rooftop garden.
Andrew Cruz is a digital content producer. A native New Yorker, he joined PIX11 in 2009 as a weather producer. More of his work can be found here.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.