Midtown drop-in center closes after city ends contract

Mainchance, a Midtown drop-in center for homeless New Yorkers, has closed after 35 years following the city’s decision not to renew its contract. Located at 120 East 32nd St., the center provided meals, rest, and overnight shelter to those in need. Its doors shut on Tuesday as its funding from the city’s Department of Homeless Services came to an end.

The closure comes amid dangerously high temperatures in New York City, with officials urging residents to limit time outdoors. Mainchance was the only drop-in center in the East Side of Midtown, and its shutdown leaves a gap in services for those without permanent housing. Earlier this year, the city also announced the closure of the Bellevue men’s shelter on 30th Street, relocating its intake services downtown.

Marc Gross, chair of Mainchance’s board, expressed concern over the impact on clients with whom the organization had long-standing relationships. “What’s going to happen to these clients with whom we had long-standing relationships? I just don’t know,” he said.

Mainchance relied heavily on city funding, approximately $3.8 million annually, to operate. Without a renewed contract, the nonprofit had no choice but to cease services. The city argued that the facility was not an effective use of resources since it did not provide overnight beds, emphasizing its goal to place individuals in shelters with sleeping accommodations and eventually into permanent housing.

City officials stated they needed to invest in programs and facilities best suited to serving street homeless New Yorkers. “We are appreciative of the decades of service Mainchance has provided to New Yorkers and will ensure that all clients are connected to services, including nearby drop-in centers, and appropriate shelter placements,” said Nicholas Jacobelli, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeless Services.

Drop-in centers offer chairs for rest but not overnight beds. City officials noted that homeless individuals in the area could now access similar services at drop-in centers on 14th Street, 52nd Street, or West 30th Street.

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