DHS and Project Renewal propose 90‑bed women’s shelter at 27 West 11th; neighbors press for details on construction, security and outdoor space

The Manhattan Borough director for the Department of Social Services and representatives of Project Renewal presented plans on the Community Board 2 Social Services Committee’s Zoom meeting for a proposed 90‑bed women’s shelter at 27 West 11th Street. City and provider officials said the shelter would serve single adult women who are employed or employable and would link residents to on‑site case management, vocational training and housing search services.

Why it matters: The city is pursuing a “borough‑based” shelter strategy as part of a larger Turning the Tide plan to replace commercial hotels with purpose‑built shelters; the proposal would bring a DHS‑contracted shelter into Community Board 2 for the first time in several years and has prompted public comment on building condition, security, outdoor space and neighborhood impacts.

Leilani Irvin, Manhattan Borough Director for the Department of Social Services, said the city’s Turning the Tide review calls for closing many commercial hotel placements by 2023 and opening 90 new purpose‑built shelters. “The women who will be coming to this site will be — this is a employ or employable — they’ll be employed or they’ll be employable,” Irvin said, describing the borough‑based approach and a plan to keep people closer to support networks and services. Irvin said each announced site will have a community…