a hot shower
a warm coat
a square meal
a doctor’s care
a refuge
We are all entitled to
a refuge,
a safe place
away from danger.
Homeless and street-involved young people are often victims of violence and abuse. They have often run away or been thrown out of their homes or foster care. Their lives on the street may involve substance use, crime, panhandling and survival sex. Street-involved youth are disproportionately vulnerable to HIV infection.
Every year, Safe Horizon touches the lives of over 18,500 young people, distributes 35,000 meals and offers a lifeline to thousands of homeless and street-involved youth. If you or a young person you know is living on the street, Safe Horizon has programs that can help.
Streetwork Program Philosophy
The Streetwork Project is committed to reaching out to homeless and disenfranchised youth of New York City, offering them respite from hunger, cold, loneliness and fear and the opportunity to reclaim for themselves a sense of dignity and self-worth. Our goal is to extend ourselves to these young people through our presence on the streets, through the services we provide and through the love we are willing to express. With every bag lunch, medical appointment, referral, condom and group we offer, we communicate to our clients our concern for their lives and our belief in their potential. Our mission is to act as a catalyst for their self-empowerment.
Streetwork’s Program Components
Streetwork clients (children, teens and young adults up to age 24) are provided with the following free services: legal, medical and psychiatric services, individual and group counseling, case management, advocacy, help in obtaining identification, emergency and crisis housing, GED preparation and support, help in obtaining Medicaid and other benefits, hot meals, showers, clothing, wellness activities including acupuncture, yoga, nutritional counseling, HIV prevention counseling, parenting groups, drop-in groups and the opportunity to socialize in a safe, non-judgmental setting. All clients are assigned a primary counselor who can assist them in accessing needed services, including referrals when necessary.
Harlem Center
In 2008, Safe Horizon opened an expansive new space in Harlem for homeless and street-involved youth to access the same compassionate, practical and expert services that we have provided to young people for decades.
This space has a teaching kitchen, two counseling suites, music room, computer lab and other areas where those who spend so much of their lives in danger can feel safe, empowered, cared for and encouraged as they move from crisis to confidence.
Streetwork Harlem Drop-In Center
209 W. 125th. St.
New York, NY 10027
Phone: 212-695-2220
Hours of Operation: Monday Through Sunday (9:00 am – 9:00 pm)
Transportation services: Monday Through Sunday (1:00 pm – 9:00 pm)
Intakes are conducted each day
Lower East Side Drop-In Center 33 Essex St New York, NY 10002
Phone: 646-602-6404
Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (2:00PM-7:00PM)
Evening groups are also offered.
Intakes are conducted each day.
Syringe exchange available each day.
Residential Programs Streetwork has two Residential Programs with a total of 36 beds for short-term emergency housing.
Referrals to the Residential Programs can be made by calling the Streetwork Drop-In Centers.
Safe Horizon | 2 Lafayette Street, 3rd Floor | New York, NY 10007