Siena House

"The women of Siena House often tell me that the biggest gift we've given them back is their self confidence."
-Sr. Mary Doris, Director of Siena House

85 West 168th Street
Bronx, NY 10452
(718) 293-2390

Siena House, located in the South Bronx, was one of New York City’s first shelters to accept women who are pregnant or have newborn babies. The shelter was named in honor of St. Catherine of Siena, the 13th century patron saint of Italy, who assisted young homeless women in becoming self-sufficient. The women come from all five boroughs of New York City and are offered shelter until they are able to find permanent housing and maintain independent living.

Primarily funded by the Department of Homeless Services, the shelter provides women with housing, food, pre-natal classes, child care, and a variety of educational programs including GED preparation, computer training, and classes as English as a Second Language. The women also participate in innovative life-skills seminars in supportive group settings where they learn parenting and related skills necessary to move from a state of dependence to one of self-sufficiency.