Wow, 25 years — what a proud milestone for Safe Harbors!
Since our founding in 2000, we have never settled for done — cutting the ribbon on the Cornerstone Residence in 2006 was just the incredible beginning of the journey. Every year since, we have found new and exciting ways to increase our impact, grow our footprint, deepen our engagement with our neighbors, and bring new life to the corner of Broadway and Liberty Street.
The rich tapestry of our timeline weaves together the threads of our work over the decades — equitable, affordable housing intertwined with world class visual and performing arts, strengthened by deep community engagement and the steady work of downtown revitalization, economic development, and social and environmental justice.
Now 25 years into the journey, Safe Harbors is continuing to broaden our reach in new and creative ways: reopening the Ritz Theater Stagehouse and welcoming audiences for the first time in more than 50 years; taking the steps towards extending affordable housing to 55 families; launching a podcast and soon a new radio station; and an ever-growing calendar of performances and exhibitions that have seen our audience grow by a whopping 93% in just two years!
Along the way, we’ve been honored with recognition for our good work: from Supportive Housing Residence of the Year in 2006, to NYSERDA’s 2025 Building of Excellence Award for our commitment to sustainability, and the New York State Association for Affordable Housing’s 2025 Not-for-Profit of the Year.
As we celebrate 25 years, the timeline continues — new homes are taking shape, new voices are stepping onto the stage, and the next chapter of Safe Harbors is underway!
Lisa Silverstone, Executive Director