The Door - New York, New York

Ellie H.

I found the door through a friend, who heard about a few services and we decided to check it out on a whim.
It was the best decision I've made since moving to NYC. Every room is full of staff members who are kind, friendly and will do everything in their power to help. They remembered me and said hi every time I came in, even checking in about my current goals. If you know what you want, they will try to help you get it. From schooling, to clothing, to an incredibly cooked hot meal, the door has given me so much to be thankful for. While looking for a job I went to the art studio and fashion design classes and was able to create using their free materials. In doing so I found a safe space, and many friends.
There are a handful of companies that offer resources to people, but I've never encounter a place that gives a warn sense of community like the door. I recommend it to everyone.

Jaisa N.

The Door is a mirror of who you are and where you are ready to go in life. If your life is in shambles, not because of circumstances but because of your maturity level, decisions and mindset, don’t expect them to sprinkle magic powder on your life and open the door to your higher self. Get real.
The door saw who I was and where I was ready to go and gave me exactly the tools I needed.
Basic medical care. Legal services and I was on my way.
I didn’t know what emancipation was when I arrived at the door, but they saw me and knew I was already an emancipated minor.
Thank you for the guidance and knowledge, the empowerment.

Trailman A. 6.

Wow ! I was watching YouTube and came across (The Door) I remember when the Door was located on 6th Avenue i think it was 16th & 17th street, beginning of the 80's, i was 17 at the time I meet a lady on the street don't remember her name she worked at the door, but met her husband his name was Rodney Stewart that work at tree communications along with Paul levin. This was a publishing company on park Avenue south. They needed the office to be painted and move office furniture around install new lights. When I was done they asked me if I wanted to learn something new? I learned to work in a office environment learned developing film and how to operate the enlargement camera and other equipment. Long story short now I'm 60 years old have 3 boys a 1 girl 8 grandkids. I was a new person but I saw it was still hard in NYC and I said to my self if I become a father I'm not raising my children in NYC. I married in Puerto Rico and settle down in Massachusetts. In 2016 my wife and me moved to Florida 8 years now, a son in PA, a son in Massachusetts a son and our daughter in Florida. I only made it to the 7th grade. But did go to different training school. Plumping, Electrical, automotive repair, construction. With all these training i made a life for my family and me. So for all of you who go to the door and to the other location under 21, take advantage it is your Future. Life is good, places to see visit, explore. and when you look back you will say wow. I pray for all to make it in Jesus name.

Alicia H.

I used to ride freight trains and would spend part of every summer in NYC, this place helped me get food stamps, wash my clothes , shower, fed me daily , helped with medical issues, warrants, clothes, and a hep c study that paid me for the research. I am 34 now... the first time I went here I was 17, I am no longer homeless, this is one of the few drop in centers that made a positive impact on my life. Not to mention the needle exchange and letting me share my knowledge with others, it was NY first taste of helping with harm reduction and realizing that my knowledge was worth something, that I could help others. I am so thankful for this place and the people who I would see every summer.

Titi W.

I was introduced to the door when I was a senior in high school before COVID. They claimed they was “partnered” with old navy and they could help us get a job. The job I was working at wasn’t paying me enough and I thought they would help me with that. I then went back to the door during the pandemic because I was out of a job and I was living in a toxic household where I was getting abused and threatened and I needed a lawyer so I was able to get a restraining order on my father and help with some other legal stuff. I as well found out I was pregnant and needed housing assistance atp I didn’t really need a job since I found my own job. Everything I needed help with I got on my own without them. The only thing I did appreciate during that time was the gift cards because I needed the money other than that they never helped me not once. I got an email from them about training for a profession I am interested in but I won’t be looking to them for that type of help since I been helping myself.

Ginger

I had the stir fry tofu which was very good.

Most of the staff were pleasant.

As far as the lines when ordering, it needs to be structured and streamlined to allow a line for ordering and the other for pickup. Or once the orders are ready, just bring them out for the customers than to have us yell out our numbers over each other hoping to be heard. When busy, people are packed in like sardines. It just need some organizing.

Breanna D.

Overall a great place if you’re a young person in need of support. I get free healthcare, food, and counseling from and I love it. The only thing is they have so many staff members and each one seems to have very different knowledge of the program. So if someone leaves you without the care you need, find someone else and their answer will likely be different. For example I came in for food one time and the receptionist told me food is only available for kids in foster care, the second person I spoke to said they didn’t give out food at all and he didn’t know what I was talking about, and the third person was like yep! Right this way we have the pantry with non-perishable food you can take, and hot meals are served at ex. times.

Rocio C.

I first went in 2017 looking for immigration help, and I found it. I am beyond thankful with the door for giving me the opportunity to be legal in the United States as many of us immigrants wish to have this blessing. I will always be thankful for the lawyers I had during my process. They have so much help at the door, not just for immigration. Thanks again!