FOR PLANNING PURPOSES ONLY

September 25, 2017

Contact: Arianna Fishman (fishmana@hra.nyc.gov, o: 929-221-5249 c: 646-629-4723)

DSS COMMISSIONER BANKS TOURS NEW SAFE HAVEN FACILITY IN MANHATTAN

36-bed “Safe Haven” program offers dedicated services and supports to homeless New Yorkers transitioning off the streets in Manhattan

NEW YORK—On Tuesday, September 26, Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks will visit the recently-opened Safe Haven facility on 105th Street in Manhattan operated by not-for-profit service provider partner Urban Pathways, where they will discuss citywide street outreach initiatives, as well as how dedicated resources like Safe Havens are crucial components of our ongoing effort to help street homeless New Yorkers transition indoors across the five boroughs.

Safe Havens are facilities with physical and program characteristics specifically targeted toward homeless individuals living on the streets who may be resistant to accepting other services, including traditional shelters. Safe Havens are equipped with on-site services and outreach staff who work closely with clients to deepen relationships, help stabilize their lives, and, ultimately, encourage them to transition further off the streets and into permanent housing. These facilities, which only take referrals from our experienced street outreach teams and include overnight beds, are often the first step towards bringing street homeless New Yorkers indoors.

Media interested in attending should RSVP with Arianna Fishman at fishmana@hra.nyc.gov.