Each day, Thomas sees the effect his work has on the surrounding community. For participants that wish to make positive changes in their lives, like beginning recovery programs, OnPoint NYC staff are available to facilitate.

“They don’t have to navigate finding these places on their own because we have people here assisting them. When you don’t have these resources, there’s a gap, and it’s hard for them to meet with social workers or do the homework of finding out where rehabilitation centers are, as some might be fully packed.

“It’s a one-stop shop with a variety of resources under one umbrella,” he says. We can hit the rolodex, and if one door is closed, another one opens, which expedites matters for them.” 

For many, this support can be life-changing, and a catalyst for positive life changes.

Thomas sees participants that “get on a track of recovery and are using a lot less or not at all. When they finally get their first apartment, it’s a cause for celebration.” 

The Drop-In Center also works to be a good partner to the city and surrounding community, and its flexible mindset and community approach allows it to uniquely fill gaps in coverage. 

For example – the center’s practice of reversing overdoses is “an opportunity to give help where sometimes ambulances aren’t always readily accessible,” Thomas says. By eliminating the need for EMS support in these situations, OnPoint NYC’s staff not only save lives, but reduces the financial burden of taxpayers and stress on the city’s hospital system. 

Additionally, the center serves as a low-barrier safe space for those who are experiencing homelessness – and often steps up to better serve acute neighborhood needs. Recently, when the city was experiencing dangerously cold winter temperatures, OnPoint NYC partnered with NYC’s Code Blue operations to provide 24/7 operations, including emergency overnight sleeping accommodations for community members. This prevented exposure related harm, overdoses, hospitalizations, arrests, and more.