Times Square isn't just bright lights and big business. In many ways, it's a microcosm of and a symbol for New York as a whole. There are people all around the city struggling with homelessness, mental health needs, and substance abuse issues — crises that have worsened throughout the pandemic and that have disproportionately impacted communities of color. Many of those vulnerable people have found refuge in Times Square.

Our Outreach Services come in different formats and evolve based on district needs. We have a full-time Director of Outreach, maintain the Fountain House Recharge Station – a community hub on Broadway and 45^th Street, and conduct joint outreach with area social service providers from the private and public sectors.  

The thread that underlies it all is meeting people in need “where they’re at” and maintaining a strong network of social service partners.  It all started in 2021 with Community First: a new initiative where peer navigators on the streets take the time to build relationships — and trust — with vulnerable people in Times Square, with the goal of addressing problems incrementally, learning what is preventing people from accepting services, and then ultimately helping them access what they need.