Parents concerned about new homeless shelter next to Lower Manhattan school

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Parents in Lower Manhattan are raising alarms about a new homeless shelter slated to open this fall next to the Peck Slip elementary school. With the school year approaching, they are demanding answers about the facility's impact on their children. Kenny Grant, a parent with a 5-year-old at the Peck Slip School, expressed his frustration. “It makes no sense, it's incomprehensible. We’re angry—me and my wife are very upset," says Grant. These concerns have led Council Member Christopher Marte and Community Board 1 to call on Mayor Eric Adams to pause and relocate the planned Safe Haven shelter at 320 Pearl St. Grant highlighted his worry about the shelter's proximity to the school. “This door is for pre-K students and first-grade students, and just a few feet away will be the door for the shelter… the kids line up here," says Grant. Many parents, including Grant, question why the 106-bed shelter is not designated for families with children. The community’s safety concerns have intensified upon learning that it will be a "low barrier" shelter. “They’ll be Level 1 and Level 2 sex offenders… With this low barrier situation, you have problematic individuals who are allowed to go in and out, still use drugs if they’re using drugs, still have mental health issues, and go about their day in the same space as this elementary school," says Grant. Low barrier shelters are designed to be more accessible to those who might avoid traditional shelters. The Department of Social Services (DSS) has clarified that the shelter will house both men and women and assured that no one with residency restrictions, such as sex offenders, will be allowed. The facility will feature 24/7 security, including 60 cameras and at least six security staff per shift. A DSS spokesperson emphasized, “This area has been impacted by an increased incidence of unsheltered homelessness, and facilities like this have been instrumental in our efforts to help move New Yorkers off the streets and subways and into shelter and permanent housing.” The spokesperson also noted that shelters near schools are not uncommon in densely populated areas like New York City. The nonprofit Breaking Ground will operate the shelter. For parents like Grant, the perceived lack of transparency is troubling. “They say they’ll do this, they’ll do that, but right now it's radio silence,” Grant said. “Families are leaving. I know at least four who’ve already moved their children. This could lead to the school shutting down.” Parents say this issue is far from over and are considering legal action. "