Background

The West 59th Street women’s shelter, which you can learn more about here, will offer shelter and services for women experiencing homelessness. It is part of an effort to expand shelter capacity in neighborhoods across the city to meet the needs of our homeless neighbors (and provide dozens of trained clinicians and staff members who will support residents' needs). For the past few years, Upper West Side Open Hearts members have been organizing to support this new shelter site! On Tuesday, October 28th at 6:30 PM, Manhattan Community Board 7 is meeting to review final details of the site. While the site is approved and planned to open, we could use some additional voices in support at this meeting.

Take Action

• The #1 need is for folks to provide comments virtually (on Zoom or phone) during the meeting (Tuesday 10/28; meeting begins at 6:30 PM) or in person at the meeting at 250 W 87th Street (Tuesday 10/28; meeting begins at 6:30 PM)

• If you aren’t able to join the meeting virtually or in person, you can submit written comments (this can be done any time between now and the meeting on Tuesday 10/28)

Haven’t spoken at a Community Board meeting before? No worries—the board hears from members of the public all the time at hearings like these, and Open Hearts will be there with you every step of the way. We’ll provide suggested talking points, connect you with other folks who will be speaking up, and help you navigate the logistics.

Use the links below to RSVP to show support for the 59th St. shelter. Once you RSVP, we’ll be in touch to share suggested talking points and logistical details!