The Power of Low-Threshold Services: Setting the Foundations for Success
At OnPoint NYC, we believe in reducing barriers to care and creating spaces where people can access support on their own terms.
Our low-threshold services—which we provide through our two Drop-In Centers in Harlem and Washington Heights—serve as the foundation for everything we do. These spaces provide a refuge where people can meet their basic needs without judgment.
We sat down with Brittney Vargas-Estrella, OnPoint’s Interim Director of Low-Threshold Services and Director of Operations, and the Low-threshold services team to give us an inside look at how these services help our community thrive.
What are Low-Threshold Services?
Our Drop-In Centers in Harlem and Washington Heights are safe, welcoming spaces where participants can enjoy hot meals, access hygiene facilities, receive harm reduction supplies, connect digitally, and simply rest and recharge. These are no-barrier services – meaning community members do not need to meet strict requirements to participate.
“Our lowest threshold services are really just there for our participants to have a space that isn’t outside in the community,” says Brittney.
By offering a safe space when it is needed most, we provide stability and dignity, creating an environment where people feel comfortable enough to take the next steps toward more structured support when they are ready.
“Providing low-threshold services to participants—such as referrals for housing and recovery support—while continuously educating the community about the range of services OnPoint NYC offers is key to helping people see the full support system available to them,” adds Martha Ruiz, Associate Director of Low-Threshold Services, East Harlem.
The Impact of Low-Threshold Services
Brittney stepped into her role as Interim Director of Low-Threshold Services in June 2024 and continues to serve as Director of Operations. She had already been managing safety and security at OnPoint NYC’s Overdose Prevention Centers, making her transition into overseeing low-threshold services a natural progression.
Although she has a wealth of experience in harm reduction, Brittney acknowledges the challenges that come with serving such a large, diverse group of community members.
“The role has taught me patience,” Brittney shares.
Brittney is especially aware of how critical these services are in connecting people to other forms of care. It is difficult for community members to participate in programs that support their long-term recovery when they don’t have a bed, phone, food, or other basic necessities. With their immediate needs met, they feel more prepared for high-threshold services, such as OnPoint NYC’s mental health program, case management, and clinical care services.
“Our low-threshold services have a pivotal job in connecting folks to the other higher-threshold services in the organization,” she explains. “If folks don’t have enough space or enough time to stay in our Drop-In Center, then we see that domino effect of them not engaging in other services.”
Expanding to Meet the Need and Build Community
The demand for low-threshold services is higher than ever, particularly during times of extreme temperatures when people seek community indoors. To better meet this need, OnPoint NYC is expanding and renovating our Washington Heights location to encourage more participants to rest, socialize, and access additional services, including launching respite services and a food program.
The low-threshold services team is also working to enhance socialization opportunities at our Drop-in centers. Regular events like Karaoke Fridays and Bingo Tuesdays bring joy and a sense of community and connection. Groups focused on specific needs—such as women’s, men’s, and HIV support groups—help community members build relationships and find meaningful connections.
“We’ve definitely been working on increasing socialization events in our East Harlem Drop-In Center and will be able to work towards that in Washington Heights once renovations are complete,” said Martha.
The Future of OnPoint’s Drop-In Centers
Looking ahead, OnPoint NYC is eager to move the renovation forward and expand the Washington Heights Drop-In Center, creating a larger space for participants. This transformation will ensure that the center is a hub for socialization and community building.
“Now that I’m also seeing the direct impact of what having one shower down means to our participants, I feel like I’ve been pushing our facilities team even more,” says Brittney.
Fostering a welcoming environment at the Drop-in Centers is critical because, at the end of the day, low-threshold services are more than about offering a place to rest but laying the groundwork for holistic recovery.
Clarrett Blandino, Associate Director of Threshold Services, Washington Heights, adds, “With their basic needs met, whether that’s a cooked meal or a warm bed, participants feel ready to engage in programming that sets them on the path to stability.”
In addition, Martha emphasizes that strengthening staff skills will be just as important as expanding physical spaces.
“Training staff to provide exceptional and empathetic services through consistent practices like greet and meets, check-ins, accommodation, checking-in with participants on their departure, and professional development will be crucial as we continue to grow. Offering group facilitation training will also enhance our Drop-in-Center activities, interactions, and prevention education.”
Our low-threshold services strengthen OnPoint NYC’s nationally renowned model of holistic support. With deep expertise and passion for harm reduction, we ensure that every person who walks through our doors not only sees their immediate needs met, but has the foundations to thrive in the long term.
