Residents on the Upper East Side gathered on Monday evening to voice their concerns, frustration, and confusion regarding a new homeless shelter designated for women in their area.
Community Board 8 initially informed the public about a 200-bed men’s shelter planned for First Avenue back in late January. This facility, set to open in March and managed by New York’s Housing Solutions, sparked significant backlash, including a petition that collected over 5,000 signatures.
Julie Menin, the City Council president for the Upper East Side, recently announced that the shelter would now be open to women instead, with an opening scheduled for April.
“From the start, I’ve aimed to ensure our district meets its responsibilities towards homelessness in a way that really helps those in need,” Menin stated. “Women facing housing insecurity deal with unique issues regarding safety and stability, and this location is well-suited to provide them with secure housing and comprehensive support.”
The Restore Hope Women’s Shelter will be the first transitional housing facility for single women in Manhattan’s Fifth City Council District. Menin also referenced another women’s shelter for those with mental health challenges on Park Avenue, which has positively impacted the community for years.
The median household income in this part of the Upper East Side stands at $165,280, which is roughly 108% higher than the city’s overall median, as reported by the New York University Furman Center. As of this year, the poverty rate in the district is 6.1%, well below the city’s average of 18.2%.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) said the upcoming facility would provide much-needed resources and on-site services in a district that currently has limited shelter options for single adults.
During the heated meeting at Rockefeller University, residents expressed their anger about the shelter’s plan, focusing on safety issues and a perceived lack of transparency surrounding its establishment.
Community Board 8 Chair Valerie Mason told attendees that the goal of the evening was to gather feedback. Presentations were given by representatives from the New York City Department of Homeless Services, New York Housing Solutions, and the security team from Elite Investments.
The meeting escalated into shouting matches, with Mason urging for constructive dialogue instead of a chaotic exchange.
“We are not being asked to do anything that other communities are not being asked to do,” Mason remarked.
One resident raised concerns about the shelter’s proximity to a hardware store that sells various tools. He noted, “Any tool can be a weapon if wielded properly.” Additionally, he suggested security at the shelter should be armed.
A local father highlighted the tragic recent death of a young child linked to a shelter incident, expressing his strong disappointment in the decision-making of city officials.
Another resident pointed out the unsuitability of the location, especially given its closeness to schools and a daycare center, while acknowledging that some community members supported the shelter.
“Let’s not forget, just a couple weeks ago someone lost their life on our streets,” remarked one supporter, referencing a man found unresponsive during last month’s snowstorm.
Several attendees decried the lack of communication and transparency from officials regarding the shelter.
The DHS reiterated its commitment to providing communities with at least 30 days’ notice prior to opening new shelters. However, the average time before shelter openings is over 200 days.
Disagreements arose during discussions about when the community board was first informed about the plan. A DHS spokesperson claimed the board was made aware of the location in March 2025, but the timeline was unclear.
Prospective residents will be referred to the shelter by the city’s Department of Homeless Services. This eight-story facility will feature dormitory-style rooms, a cafeteria, staff offices, and a rooftop area designed to deter loitering.
The shelter will be equipped with 136 surveillance cameras and two TSA-style checkpoints. Alcohol and drugs will be prohibited, and the facility will not permit entry to men or children, with an 11 PM curfew in place. Women on probation or parole for sex offenses will also be barred from entry due to nearby schools.
Social workers and caseworkers will be available to assist residents with counseling, job placements, and housing support.
Mason described the facility, stating it resembled “an army barracks,” and announced that a community advisory board would be established within 30 days of the shelter’s opening to continue seeking feedback from locals each month.
