HELP USA Opens HELP New Leaf at Logan Fountain, Ushering in a New Era for Families in Crisis 

May 13, 2025: Logan Fountain Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Brooklyn, NY — May 13, 2025 — HELP USA and its partners today debuted HELP New Leaf, a trauma-informed transitional housing program for families located within Logan Fountain, a $214 million mixed-use affordable and supportive housing development in Brooklyn’s Cypress Hills neighborhood. The project marks a significant milestone in HELP USA’s legacy, replacing the organization’s groundbreaking first shelter, HELP 1, with a new model of care and support designed for today’s families. 

Logan Fountain was developed through a city-state partnership between the New York City Department of Social Services (DSS), the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), with Hudson Companies as developer. The building delivers 343 total units: 169 transitional units at HELP New Leaf, operated by HELP USA, and 173 affordable apartments — including 105 supportive units with onsite services provided by Jericho Project. 

New York City Department of Homeless Services Administrator Joslyn Carter said, “Logan Fountain is an exemplary project that transforms underutilized city space into much-needed supportive and transitional housing for vulnerable families. At DHS, we are committed to reimagining the shelter system through innovative high-quality models and strong provider partnerships that enhance our delivery of services and strengthen pathways to long-term housing stability for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. We are grateful to our partners at HELP USA, The Hudson Companies, and others as we continue to raise the bar on the physical infrastructure of our shelter system.”  

A National Legacy Reimagined 

Opened in the 1980s, HELP 1 was the first purpose-built family shelter of its kind in the country. Its pioneering design and comprehensive service model helped shape the foundation of New York City’s modern shelter system — a model still in use today. HELP New Leaf builds on that legacy with a forward-looking approach to trauma-informed care, holistic wellness, and long-term housing stability. 

“As we mark 40 years of impact, HELP New Leaf reflects everything we’ve learned since our founding,” said Dan Lehman, President and CEO of HELP USA. “HELP 1 was visionary in its time — and HELP New Leaf builds on that vision with a deeper understanding of trauma, dignity, and what it truly takes to help families find stability and rebuild their lives.” 

HELP New Leaf offers comprehensive case management, clinical care, employment services, housing placement support, and enrichment programming — all in a modern, family-centered environment. 

Art and Healing at the Center 

A striking site-specific mural by acclaimed contemporary artist Baseera Khan is permanently installed in the HELP New Leaf lobby, anchoring the building in themes of resilience, identity, and renewal. In celebration of the installation, limited edition signed prints commemorating the mural are available, with proceeds benefiting HELP USA’s Art of Resilience program — a creative initiative that supports healing and empowerment for shelter residents through the arts. 

Mixed-Use Innovation Anchored in Partnership 

HELP New Leaf is a key component of Logan Fountain — a transformative mixed-use project that revitalizes a long-vacant site with affordable housing, transitional shelter, retail space, and community amenities. The building includes: 

  • 169 transitional units for families with children, operated by HELP USA 
  • 173 affordable apartments, including 105 supportive housing units with services provided by Jericho Project 
  • Retail space, a fitness center, outdoor courtyards, and play areas designed to support resident wellness and neighborhood connection 

Logan Fountain was financed through HCR’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, HPD’s Supportive Housing Loan Program, and DSS’s nonprofit-owned shelter model, alongside support from the New York City Council and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. 

“HELP New Leaf shows what’s possible when nonprofits, government, and developers work together with shared purpose,” Lehman said. “This project is more than housing — it’s a system of care. And it’s the future of HELP USA.” 

Pictured: NYC DHS Administrator Jocelyn Carter, Artist Baseera Khan, NYS HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnaukus, HELP USA CEO Dan Lehman

Interior View of HELP New Leaf at Logan Fountain

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