Our History
How HSNY Started
HSNY was founded to support NYC’s most vulnerable populations and has grown into a leading provider of shelter, housing stability services, and client support programs across all five boroughs. We remain committed to delivering high-quality care, expanding service sites, maintaining safe facilities, and investing in a strong workforce that helps New Yorkers move from crisis to stability.
25 Years of Growth & Impact
2026
EXPANDING ACCESS, STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES
- HSNY opens its second Client-Choice Community Food Pantry in the Bronx, increasing access to nutritious, culturally familiar foods and nutrition support services for New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity.
- The organization also opens Restore Hope Residence, an all-female shelter on Manhattan's Upper East Side, expanding safe and supportive housing options for women experiencing homelessness.
- Together, these milestones strengthen HSNY's comprehensive approach to ending homelessness by addressing both immediate needs and long-term stability.
2025
SCALING IMPACT ACROSS NEW YORK CITY
- HSNY surpasses 500 employees and opens a Welcome Center serving unsheltered New Yorkers.
- The organization expands its supportive housing portfolio by 200 units and strengthens services for people living with HIV/AIDS.
- Financial Literacy programming launches across family shelters in the Bronx, helping parents build the skills needed for long-term housing stability.
2024
INVESTING IN LONG-TERM STABILITY
- HSNY expands Food and Nutrition Services across its shelter portfolio, increasing access to healthy food and nutrition education.
- The Medicaid Redesign Team grows to support more than 25 housing units throughout the community, helping residents maintain housing stability and improve health outcomes.
2023
RAPID EXPANSION & NEW HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
- HSNY opens five facilities within 45 days and adds two new shelter programs, significantly increasing capacity to serve New Yorkers experiencing homelessness.
- The organization also secures its first Continuum of Care contract, expanding permanent supportive housing opportunities.
- HSNY officially unveils its new brand identity.
2022
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE
- HSNY begins providing social services within HRA Emergency Housing Program sites, expanding support beyond shelter operations.
- The organization also launches a comprehensive rebrand, including the renaming of Innovative Family Residence, reflecting a renewed vision for ending homelessness.
2021
A PERIOD OF TRANSFORMATION
- HSNY enters a new era of growth, expanding its leadership team and workforce to more than 240 employees.
- In response to New York City's humanitarian crisis, HSNY rapidly expands operations into Queens and Brooklyn, opening more than five emergency shelter sites in just 90 days.
2020
RESPONDING TO THE COVID-19 CRISIS
- During the height of the pandemic, HSNY rapidly opens emergency isolation sites in Manhattan, helping protect vulnerable New Yorkers and support the City's emergency response efforts
2019
YOUTH & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS LAUNCH
- HSNY introduces youth resiliency programming and expands community food distribution efforts to address food insecurity and strengthen community well-being.
2018
HEALTH & SUPPORTIVE HOUSING EXPANSION
- HSNY receives a Ryan White grant and expands supportive housing services for low-income Medicaid recipients, strengthening the connection between housing and health outcomes.
2010
SERVING FAMILIES IN CRISIS
- HSNY begins operating transitional shelters for families, creating pathways to stability and independent living for parents and children experiencing homelessness.
2005
EXPANDING SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS
- HSNY secures its first contract to provide emergency housing and case management services for people living with HIV/AIDS, expanding access to critical housing and health supports..
2001
FOUNDING HSNY
- HSNY is founded to address New York City's urgent need for housing stability and person-centered support for individuals experiencing homelessness.