Our Drop-In Centers: Fostering Community, Health, and Dignity.
OnPoint NYC’s two drop-in centers are a major facet of our services— these safe, no-barrier spaces offer free services like hot meals, hygiene facilities, syringe services, digital connectivity, and peer support for our community members.
Operating 7 days a week in East Harlem and Washington Heights, these accessible centers provide loving and affirming support, while serving as a gateway to engagement in our other programs and referrals to external treatment resources if desired.
Photo by Sarah Duggan
Over half of the people we serve are experiencing homelessness or housing instability – and are consequently in need of safe spaces to relax, address immediate needs, and plan their next steps. The stigmas surrounding drug use and sex work further compound the difficulties our participants face in finding a space to rest and find support.
OnPoint NYC is proud to have created these spaces where our neighbors truly feel safe, accepted, and encouraged to improve their lives. Take a look below to see our Drop-In Centers in action.
Visitors are greeted with a smile and words of encouragement.
Cheery seats provide a safe place to rest, for as long as one needs.
Hot meals and beverages are available throughout the day, feeding people when they are hungry.
“I also use the DIC [Drop-In Center] to get food, get out of the rain, the snow, the cold, the warmth, whichever, you know, whatever you get…. It’s the one place that we have for us.” – Will, OnPoint NYC Participant
Participants enjoy their meals together in clean dining spaces, which allows for connection and community.
Access to bathrooms, showers, and clean clothing is critical to health, wellness, and dignity – our Drop-In Centers provide these crucial hygiene services.
On-site computers, phones, printers, and fax machines allow participants to stay connected with others, access information, and manage their lives.
Our Drop-In Centers promote safety, with accessible condoms, syringes, and other supplies – as well as harm reduction education.
Photo by Sarah Duggan
Staff members – many of which were former OnPoint participants themselves – are always willing to lend an ear, provide support, offer practical advice, and connect interested participants with services and treatment.
In honor of Sexual Health Awareness Month, we spoke with three of our staff members who provide sexual health services about their work and its impact.
Meet Paige Guyott, a dedicated Volunteer and Training Coordinator at OnPoint NYC, whose passion for harm reduction and community care radiates through her work.