New York City Plans to Relocate Homeless Intake Center to East Village Amid Resident Opposition

The move follows an assessment that the nearly century-old Bellevue site is in a state of disrepair. The new location, operated by nonprofit Project Renewal, currently provides shelter and other services.

The East 3rd Street facility will offer 117 beds, with residents staying one to two days for assessment and connection to mental health and social services before relocation to other sites, according to the Department of Homeless Services. A separate 117-bed facility at 333 Bowery, about one block away, will handle intake for families without children.

Both sites were previously limited to 200 beds total under city code, but a March 26, 2026, emergency executive order suspends this limit and waives certain safety regulations, such as the cap of 90 people on the first floor.

Community Response and Concerns Hundreds of East Village residents attended a community meeting on April 10, 2026, to voice opposition to the relocation.

Rev. Keith Gadson stated during the meeting, "None of you all can stop drinking and drugging ... " Residents questioned the rushed notification process and lack of environmental review or public safety plan.

Jason Murillo, a neighborhood activist, said the facilities could attract individuals with criminal histories, citing former Bellevue residents like Ramon Rivera, who carried out a stabbing incident on November 18, 2024, that resulted in three deaths.

" He and other residents plan to file a lawsuit to block the opening. Some attendees suggested renovating the Bellevue site or using empty commercial spaces in Midtown instead.

One resident asked why the East Village was selected, noting available store spaces in areas like 42nd Street.

City Officials' Position Department of Homeless Services officials reported that the city notified the community as quickly as possible and will maintain cleanliness and security inside and outside the buildings.

The administration added there is no expectation of lines forming outside the facilities.

The future use of the Midtown site remains unclear. The intake centers are intended for temporary operation, though the emergency order allows for expanded capacity as needed.