There is no date set for the completion of the proposed homeless shelter in Bay Ridge. Image via Google Maps
BAY RIDGE — Updates have been provided on the proposed homeless shelter at 6530 Fourth Ave. in Bay Ridge.
According to New York YIMBY, permits were filed for a seven-story shelter at the location. The proposed 80-foot-tall development will yield 8,915 square feet designated for community facility space.
The city’s Department of Homeless Services (DHS) said the building would house 105 men who are experiencing homelessness while either working or searching for employment.
DHS said that the opening date is contingent on construction timelines and approvals from the city and state.
“We remain committed to equitably siting shelters across the five boroughs, which necessarily entails prioritizing the creation of new facilities in communities without any shelter resources, like this Council District,” a spokesperson told the Brooklyn Eagle. “This ensures that we are able to bring much-needed capacity online while also enhancing the services available for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness in these neighborhoods. This new, high-quality transitional housing facility will be operated by our experienced not-for-profit provider, Volunteers of America, and serve individuals who are currently employed or seeking employment, offering on-site employment training and support to help these clients find work, increase their earning potential, and become financially independent.”
Community Board 10 District Manager Josephine Beckmann first announced the plans during a board meeting in November 2023. On April 22, she said during a monthly meeting that the office received many phone calls about the shelter since YIMBY’s report.
“As you recall, Community Board 10 was notified by the Department of Social Services back in November 2023 at which time staff indicated that a request for a meeting was premature as it was in the preliminary planning stages,” she said. “Since we’ve had a few additional calls and there have been some permits that were approved by the department of Buildings, we have also submitted a new request for an update meeting from the agency.”
The DHS said they will establish a Community Advisory Board to hold regular meetings and maintain direct lines of communication between staff, including on-site security, and communities.
On-site services by Volunteers of America will include case management, individual and group counseling, permanency planning and housing placement assistance, referrals to medical and mental health services, support groups, independent living and life skills workshops, residential services, vocational counseling, referral to job training, and support in finding and securing employment.
They will provide on-site security around-the-clock utilizing both contracted security staff and residential staff. Two security officers and at least three Volunteers of America staff will be on-site at all times.
“As with every DHS facility, maintaining a safe and secure environment is paramount, and we remain committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the community and addressing concerns as they arise,” the DHS spokesperson said.
