Valley Lodge

Building History

The early eighties saw an explosion of homelessness in New York City. In 1983, New York City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for development of transitional shelters run by not-for-profits. In a memorable 36-hour marathon session, Betsy Wallace and Laura Jervis completed the application for what became Valley Lodge. WSFSSH board member Leah Schneider identified two old-law tenements in the Manhattan Valley on 108th Street which could be joined to create Valley Lodge. Valley Lodge was named to honor its location in the Manhattan Valley, and to honor the tradition of medieval lodging houses, which offered hospitality to wayfaring strangers and pilgrims. In addition to a place to stay, Valley Lodge was designed to provide a range of supportive services, including a full meal program, social services, activities, on-site medical and mental health services, as well as money management and medication management. After gut renovation funded by NYC capital funds, Valley Lodge opened on May 3, 1988, designed to provide supportive transitional housing to 92 residents.

Since 1988 over 1,500 formerly homeless older persons have moved from Valley Lodge into permanent housing. Valley Lodge has not only helped residents, but its residents have helped WSFSSH better understand the strengths and needs of homeless older persons and have helped WSFSSH develop a variety of permanent housing options for this diverse population.