Bellevue's Warming Center Emerges as Model for Humane Care

The hospital's 24/7 facility provides shelter, meals, and access to services for homeless New Yorkers during cold winter months.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Bellevue Hospital in New York City has quietly become a model for humane treatment of the homeless during extreme winter weather. The hospital's warming center, located in the H Building, is open 24 hours a day and never turns anyone away. It provides cots, meals, religious spaces, and access to clinical and social services for those in need, with staff trained to de-escalate disturbances and connect guests to further assistance.

Why it matters

As homelessness remains a persistent issue in New York City, Bellevue's warming center demonstrates a compassionate approach to providing shelter and support during the coldest months. The center's 24/7 accessibility and comprehensive services set it apart as an example of how hospitals can play a vital role in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

The details

The Bellevue warming center includes 22 cots available from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., each with fresh sheets. The waiting room is open 24 hours a day, as are the hospital's religious spaces: two churches, a synagogue, and a mosque, all staffed by a chaplain. Regular meals are provided, including muffins, sandwiches, and hot soup. The center also has hospital security to help de-escalate disturbances and connect agitated guests to the psychiatric ward for evaluation, allowing others to focus on tasks like obtaining identification documents to apply for jobs.

  • The Bellevue warming center is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The players

Bellevue Hospital

One of the oldest hospitals in the United States, Bellevue Hospital has a long history of serving the public and is committed to providing care for all New Yorkers, including the homeless population.

Erfan Karim

The Chief Operating Officer of Bellevue Hospital, Karim oversees the operations of the warming center and emphasizes the hospital's mission to serve the city's residents without turning anyone away.

Victor Arcila

A 49-year-old homeless man who has been staying at the Bellevue warming center for two weeks, preferring it to city shelters due to the level of care and support provided.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“A unit shelter in a room with 16 people? It's no place to go. They beat you as well.”

— Victor Arcila

“We do not turn anyone away. Bellevue Hospital is here for everyone, and we're here to serve the city.”

— Erfan Karim, Chief Operating Officer, Bellevue Hospital

“There's no limit. We're not taking people out. We make sure we're able to provide the services that the residents of the city need day in and day out in this particular challenge.”

— Erfan Karim, Chief Operating Officer, Bellevue Hospital

What’s next

Bellevue Hospital plans to continue operating the warming center throughout the winter months, providing a safe and supportive environment for homeless individuals seeking shelter from the cold.

The takeaway

Bellevue Hospital's warming center demonstrates how a compassionate, comprehensive approach to supporting the homeless can make a meaningful difference in people's lives. By providing not just shelter, but also meals, access to services, and a focus on dignity, the center has emerged as a model for other healthcare institutions to follow in addressing the complex issue of homelessness.