Bronx Shelters for Family: The Bronx, a borough of New York City, has established a comprehensive shelter system to support homeless families. These shelters offer essential services and temporary housing, aiming to provide stability and assistance during difficult times.
List of Bronx Shelters for Family Facing Homelessness
Finding safe, supportive shelter is a crucial need for families experiencing housing difficulties. The Bronx offers a variety of resources and facilities designed to assist families in need. Below is a summary of some key options and their services:
1. Preventive Assistance and Temporary Housing (PATH)
Located at 151 East 151st Street, PATH is the primary intake center for families with children seeking shelter in New York City. This state-of-the-art center operates 24/7 and offers a streamlined application process for temporary housing. Families must present identification and relevant documents to apply. PATH also offers interpretation assistance for non-English speakers.
Families with children seeking shelter should apply at the Preventive Assistance and Temporary Housing (PATH) intake center. Located at 151 East 151st Street in the Bronx, PATH operates 24/7, and application processing is available during business hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). The center is designed to meet the demand for homeless services, with amenities such as a medical suite, storage facilities, and spacious waiting rooms to ensure a safe and supportive environment for applicants.
2. BronxWorks Family Shelters
BronxWorks operates several family shelters in the Bronx, with the capacity to house up to 360 families at a time. These shelters have private bathrooms, kitchens, and access to medical services. They also offer programs and activities for school-aged children, ensuring a safe and positive environment for families.
BronxWorks, a leading social services organization, operates three family residences in the Bronx:
Nelson Avenue Family Residence (NAFR): Established in 1992, NAFR can house up to 79 families, including large families of 6 to 8 members.
Jackson Avenue Family Residence (JAFR): Opened in 1995, JAFR provides shelter to 95 families.
Willow Avenue Family Residence (WAFR): Since 2004, WAFR has housed 102 families.
Together, these residences can accommodate approximately 276 families at any given time. Each unit is equipped with a kitchen and private bathroom, and the facilities offer early childhood programs, activities for school-aged children, 24/7 security, and access to medical services. BronxWorks prioritizes creating a safe and clean environment and requires clients to interact with social care staff to move toward self-sufficiency.
3. St. Anthony Shelter for Renewal
Located at 410 E 156th Street, this shelter focuses on providing a supportive environment for families in need. It offers essential services and a safe space for those facing housing instability.
4. Emergency Family Hotel
In response to the influx of migrant families arriving in New York City, BronxWorks opened an Emergency Family Hotel in September 2022. This center provides shelter to nearly 90 migrant families, many of whom are seeking asylum. The initiative reflects BronxWorks’ commitment to addressing the community’s evolving needs by offering immediate support and resources to vulnerable populations.
You can also apply for hotel or motel vouchers when facing homelessness. Learn how to get free hotel vouchers for the homeless in NYC.
5. Additional Resources
New York City Homeless Shelter: Located at 346 Powers Avenue, this center offers temporary housing and support services for families.
Maya’s Place: A specialized shelter for pregnant women and mothers with children between the ages of 16 and 20, located at 1774 Popham Avenue.
What Bronx Family Shelters Offer
Safe and Temporary Housing
Bronx family shelters offer safe and temporary housing to families in need. These facilities are equipped to house parents and children, ensuring a safe place to stay while they seek long-term solutions. Many shelters offer private rooms or family units to maintain dignity and privacy.
Case Management and Support Services
One of the key features of Bronx family shelters is the availability of case management services. Social workers help families navigate the complexities of homelessness, connecting them with resources such as job training, childcare, and mental health services. They also help create personalized plans to secure permanent housing.
Educational and Youth Programs
Recognizing the impact of homelessness on children, many shelters offer educational programs, mentoring, and recreational activities. These programs seek to minimize disruptions to children’s education and provide a sense of normalcy during a difficult time.
Access to Healthcare
Health and well-being are critical for families in shelters. Many centers collaborate with local healthcare providers to offer medical, dental, and mental health services on-site or through referrals. This ensures families can address their health concerns while focusing on their long-term goals.
Housing Assistance
The primary goal of family shelters is to help families secure permanent housing. Shelters often partner with housing specialists to help families apply for affordable housing programs, rental assistance, and subsidies. They also offer guidance on budgeting and financial planning to ensure long-term stability.
How You Can Help
Addressing family homelessness requires a collective effort. Here are some ways you can make a difference:
Donate: Many shelters rely on donations of clothing, food, and school supplies. Financial contributions also help fund essential programs and services.
Volunteer: Offer your time by tutoring children, organizing events, or providing professional services such as legal or career advice.
Advocate: Support policies that increase funding for affordable housing and services for homeless people. Raise awareness about the challenges facing homeless families in your community.
Final Thoughts
The Bronx has faced challenges in providing consistent access to food to those in need. A study examining 50 food banks in the Bronx revealed issues such as unstable operating hours and insufficient food supplies to meet client demand. These findings highlight the need for improved coordination and resources to ensure food security for vulnerable populations.
Bronx shelters are more than just a place to stay: they are a critical step toward stability and self-sufficiency. Families in need are encouraged to come to these centers to access the support and resources available. If you or someone you know needs help, these shelters can be a lifeline in difficult times.
