Since 1990, we have been the longest continuous-running syringe exchange in the United States. We meet drug users where they are: on the streets & actively engaged in high-risk lifestyles or within the center, where they seek comprehensive healing services.
Lead with Empathy, Practice Mercy, and Provide Safety. Those have been our guiding words since the beginning. Within homes and among the homeless, more and more people are turning to drugs and other substances to relieve fear and anxiety. Addiction and high risk behaviors can lead to a vicious cycle of personal and social injury. Traditional treatment programs view addiction as a disease. They demand abstinence and, as a result, reach only a fraction of addicted users – a mere 20%. The result: many who seek treatment are met with stigma and leave with shame.
Our efforts combine HIV testing, HEP-C testing, syringe exchange, behavioral health counseling, and other harm reduction and healthcare services within a true continuum of care. These services offer a unique combination of programs and solutions to improve health, well-being, and reintegration into the community. We also provide free benefits screening for participants who would like to see if they qualify for support resources.
Monday 6 am - 12 am
Tuesday 6 am - 12 am
Wednesday 6 am - 12 am
Thursday 6 am - 12 am
Friday 6 am - 12 am
We invest in our community’s well-being by offering a sanctuary to anyone who needs a healthy place – for a minute or for months. Our harm reduction philosophy is rooted in the practical and proven approach of meeting people on their own turf, on their own terms.
Our services seek to restore each participant’s basic human dignity and are offered free and anonymously to everyone. We measure our progress by the steady steps our participants take to regain their lives, health, and self-respect. In our practice, healing is a process, not a destination.
Every week we set up outreach locations to bring our services and resources to those in need. Maintaining a presence on the streets allows us to meet people where they are, and to raise awareness about our harm reduction services. From syringe access to HIV/HCV testing, and safer sex materials to PEP/PREP counseling, we are there at the following times and locations:
139th St. and St. Ann’s Ave
Tues: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Fri: 3:30 pm – 6:30 pm
148th St. and Bergen Ave
Fri: 11:30 am – 2:30 pm
Hunts Point Moving Outreach
Thur: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
