HELP USA, Camber Property Group & NYC Department of Social Services Open First-of-Its-Kind Intake Center for Women Entering the Homeless Shelter System
New 60,000-square-foot center is designed as a dedicated gateway for women entering shelter, supporting person-centered intake, assessment, and care
BROOKLYN, N.Y., March 24, 2026–(BUSINESS WIRE)–HELP USA, Camber Property Group, and the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) today marked the opening of HELP Women’s Center (HWC) at 114 Snediker Avenue in East New York, Brooklyn. The new five-story, 60,000-square-foot, 200 bed facility will begin operations on March 30, 2026, and serve as an intake and assessment center for women entering the homeless shelter system. It is the first in NYC designed specifically for this purpose, ushering in a new national standard and creating a facility built to support HELP USA’s person-centered care model.
The project was developed by Camber Property Group; built by Fifth Avenue Builders, a joint venture with Urban Atelier Group; and designed by Curtis + Ginsberg Architects in collaboration with HELP USA. Project partners also included HELP Development Corporation, AKRF, Skyline Engineering, and NV5. Financing was provided by Citi Community Capital and Sun Life U.S.
NYC Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga
“In times of crisis, providing a safe, welcoming environment can make all the difference to someone seeking shelter. I am proud that HELP Women’s Center will establish a secure and inclusive place for 200 women in need to find safe harbor, and the person-centered details—which promote a comprehensive approach to wellness—reflect this administration’s commitment to thoroughly addressing New Yorkers’ needs while helping them build more dignified lives.”
Department of Social Services Commissioner Erin Dalton
“The first point of interaction with our system should be welcoming and supportive. That is what New Yorkers will experience when they walk through the doors of HELP Women’s Center. This facility is what the future of shelter intake should look like as we phase out facilities that are outdated and make vital investments in new models. We are grateful to the partners who came together to realize this vision and infused this space with help, hope, and light. We look forward to building on our long-standing partnership with HELP USA as we collaboratively raise the bar on supports to help women experiencing homelessness get back on their feet.”
Dan Lehman, President & CEO, HELP USA
“Every aspect of the new HELP Women’s Center reflects HELP USA’s trauma-informed approach to care. This is a critical entry point for women into the New York City shelter system. From the moment a woman walks through these doors, everything about the building design and the service model is centered on stabilization, respect and the transition back to sustainable, permanent housing. Having this type of environment will ultimately help shorten stays in shelter and ensure people are able to remain housed. It has been a great partnership with the Department of Social Services, Camber Property Group and others to bring this project to fruition; and it will have a real impact for the people we serve.”
