Plans Change For UES Homeless Shelter Following Local Opposition

UPPER EAST SIDE, NY — Following vocal opposition from some Upper East Siders, a key aspect of the plan for the new homeless shelter in Lenox Hill has changed, City Councilmember Julie Menin told Patch Monday.

Instead of a men's shelter, the new homeless shelter at the corner of First Avenue and East 61st Street will now be a women's shelter, Menin said.

"From the beginning, my priority has been to ensure our district meets its obligation to address homelessness in a way that genuinely serves those in need," Menin, who was recently elected Speaker, said. "Women experiencing housing insecurity face distinct safety and stability challenges, and this site is well-positioned to provide them with secure housing and comprehensive support."

Other details of the shelter remain unchanged. The new shelter, which will open around March, will be operated by Housing Solutions of New York. It will have 200 beds for single adults, and offer a range of services, including case management, counseling, job placement assistance and help securing permanent housing.

Because the facility is located within 1,000 feet of a school, it will be subject to additional restrictions. Women on probation or parole for sex offenses will not be permitted to stay at the shelter, and residents will be required to follow an 11 p.m. curfew. The shelter will have 24/7 on-site security, Menin said.

Women will generally remain in the residence for, on average, nine months, Menin said.

"Working closely with DHS, Community Board 8, and community stakeholders, we developed a plan that enables our district to fulfill its role in the citywide effort to address homelessness by providing a dedicated shelter for women in an appropriate location," Menin said.

The Department of Homeless Services will present the new plan for the homeless shelter to Community Board 8 in a public meeting on Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. The location of the meeting will be at the Caspary Auditorium at The Rockefeller University.

To submit written comments ahead of the public hearing, go here.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.