Manuel’s Story

Manuel is a man with a plan. He loves to cook and aspires to be a chef at a 5-star restaurant one day. Until then, he hones his skills at home preparing his children’s favorite meals each week. A hard-working, single father of three teenagers, ‘family first’ is his mantra and guiding force through good times and bad.

When a series of unfortunate events caused Manuel to lose his job, fall behind in rent, and eventually lose his apartment, he worried about his kids, he worried for himself; he needed to find a way to keep his family together.

Manuel and his children moved into SCO’s Flushing Family Residence in Brooklyn to help him get back on his feet. Manuel recalls, “They gave us a second chance at life. SCO provided me with a roof over my head, access to food pantries, and even provided us with fun and recreation that lifted our spirits.”

While at the shelter, the family received counseling, housing services, and family support services to ease the transition. Manuel laid out a clear path for his family. His goal was to “find us a home, build a foundation, and get the kids in school.” He wasted no time in setting that plan in action. Manuel found steady employment working at a men’s shelter, which he recalls “opened my eyes and pushed me to want to be better and do better for my family.” Staff helped Manuel find an apartment suitable for his large family and their cat Patrick, who had been living with a friend. And all three children settled into their new schools and new life.

“SCO is heaven sent,” exclaimed Manuel. “I am able to do more for my family now and live a productive life.”

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Adult and Family Shelters

SCO operates homeless shelters throughout Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx that provide individuals and families a safe place to stay. Many of our shelters also offer a variety of on-site services including job readiness, drop-in child care, medical, mental health, and rehabilitation to help residents find permanent housing and prepare for independent living. We also link residents to appropriate neighborhood services that help in their efforts to secure and maintain permanent housing.

Who Can Benefit from this Program

Individuals or families who are experiencing homelessness and are in need of temporary housing

Age Criteria or Other Eligibility Requirements

There is no age restriction. In NYC, eligibility is determined by the Department of Homeless Services

How to Access this Program or Service

In NYC:

  • Families with children must apply for shelter at DHS’ Prevention Assistance and Temporary Housing (PATH) intake center located at 151 East 151st St, Bronx, NY . PATH is open 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays
  • Adult Family Intake Center is located at 400 -430 East 30th Street, NY, NY 10016. AFIC is open 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays

On Long Island:  Contact your county’s Department of Social Services

Related News

SCO Welcomes NYC Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariňa to Announce Homeless Shelter Reading Program

December 8, 2016

Manuel’s Story

"SCO's Flushing Family Residence gave us a second chance at life."

Read Manuel’s Story

96%

of 12th graders in Family Foster Care graduated high school; 61% are enrolled in post-secondary education

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