What is now known as Sylvia Rivera’s Place started as a food pantry ministry in the basement of a tiny church on West 36th Street.
Sylvia Rivera served as the Director of this small food pantry.
A trained kitchen service worker, she immediately took to both the service and the people who visited. The crowds lining up to receive lunch or groceries grew rapidly with Sylvia at the helm. Word of mouth grew, as at-risk LGBTQIA+ youth knew if Sylvia worked here, they were safe and welcome.
In 2001, Sylvia unfortunately became noticeably ill, but continued coming to work at the pantry every single day. During her illness, she shared with Reverend Pat Bumgardner her dreams for creating a much needed safe space and emergency shelter for homeless Queer youth in New York City. As her dying wish, she shared her passion for this dream and pleaded it become a reality. This is how Sylvia’s Place was born.
We have been working since that day to not only create Sylvia’s dream – but also expand it.
The need has grown exponentially since the founding of Sylvia’s Place and The Sylvia Rivera Memorial Food Pantry – and so have our services and reach to meet the ever growing needs of our community served.
We are proud to be one the largest LGBTQIA+ shelters and food pantries in NYC, with the aim of serving all in need and turning no person away from our doors.