About Us
History of Siena House
Siena House was founded in 1989 by the Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, NY under the direction of Sr. Mary Doris, O.P. and the sponsorship of Tolentine Zeiser Community Life Center. The Sisters of St. Dominic of Blauvelt, NY, founded in 1879, have always committed themselves to minister to the needs of homeless children of New York City. Siena House came into being after Sr. Mary and a small group of Dominican Sisters saw a need to take action and set out to provide temporary housing to young women and children experiencing homelessness who needed to transition to independence and self-worth.
When Siena House opened its doors in 1990, it was one of the first shelters in NYC to recognize the needs of homeless pregnant women and women with young children. The primary goal of Siena House has always been to provide support, provide resources, and offer educational and life skills opportunities for our residents as they move forward to achieve self-sufficiency, permanent housing, and a safe place to raise their family. Funding is mainly provided by the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS). Faithful donors and benefactors of Siena House help to provide for some of the unfunded needs of the women and children through a 501 (c) (3), Siena House Inc.
Siena House is located in the former convent of Sacred Heart Parish in the Highbridge section of the Bronx since its opening on January 23, 1990. Prior to Sr. Mary bringing her dreams to reality, Saint Mother Theresa founded a branch of the Missionary of Charity Fathers in the Sacred Heart convent in the mid-1980s. After three years when the Missionary Order outgrew the former convent, Saint Mother Theresa moved the branch to California opening the opportunity for Sister Mary’s vision to become a reality. Throughout the years, Siena House has provided a special unique nurturing culture to over 3,000 women, infants, and young children.
Siena House’s goal has always been and will continue to be “Help Women Help Themselves.”
After 35 years, Sr. Mary Doris retired as Director and a resident of Siena House on June 30, 2024. Edward T. Beglane, Ed.D., assumed the position of Director on July 1, 2024.
Resident Testimonials
I used to be a client at Siena house my time the was absolutely amazing my daughter enjoyed her time there as well Siena house has taught me how to be a mother how to raise my daughter into the beautiful little lady she is today all of the staff were respectful loving caring they do amazing with the kids the clients they have become family in my books not staff love you guys.
Tamara H.
In 2020 I was faced with unfortunate events homelessness being one while being a new mom to asthmatic toddler. Making the choice to go into the shelter wasn’t easy but I started to see the good side of it all. I was so terrified because we have all heard and had our own horror stories about shelters in NYC. Siena House that night sat so high on the hill I was literally hoping God saw fit for my child and myself to be safe in this building because after all it was going to be temporary. I was greeted by night security Shica E. She was so sweet and I didn’t know she would be one of many people that I’d be forever grateful and appreciative of for my stay at S.H. I was able to really start my level up because of group therapy sessions we had, the amazing girls I met there, and the loving strict nature of the staff. We faced issues during the pandemic but I’d tell any single mama Siena House is where you’d want to be. Graciella and Sister Darlene are heaven sent people, they are strict but it’s for a reason. Most of my tough days I had to see Mrs. Graciella and she would make the space so comfortable for my son that would fall asleep and he loved ALL in front staff. The meals were always hardy and on holidays we always got the best things. I still have bunny slippers from mother’s day 2020. Christmas was beautiful and an absolute blessing how much the donated and we were given. I still keep up with the many friendly faces from Siena house and the amazing memories I created along with life lessons that aren’t to be forgotten.
My experience at Siena House was great. All of the staff were very respectful. My caseworker was amazing and stayed on top of everything while helping me. She was truly a blessing! I never felt unsafe while staying there with my toddler, and everyone was very supportive of one another because we were all going through difficult times.
Star B.
Siena House provided a safe, supportive home during my pregnancy, offering the essential guidance and housing assistance I needed to build a stable future for my child.
Jasmine C.
I want to share my experience with Siena House in 2019–2020, when I had my son. Honestly, I had one of the best shelter experiences I could have asked for. I spent 10 months there and was treated so well. My room was the only one with a bathroom, and everything was always very clean. We had an amazing chef who cooked great meals, and the holidays were always special. We received gifts, donations, and so much love.
Another plus for me was that it was mostly women. There were only about two older men, who I believe were the janitors, and they were always respectful and helpful.
I want all women to know that, no matter what shelter you enter, you have to do the intentional work for yourself. Keep your head held high, stay humble, and do what you need to do to get in, obtain the support you need, and get out. Never look back except to be grateful and give back. I will forever be grateful to all my workers, especially the worker who helped me obtain the apartment where I live today. She was not even my assigned worker, but when an opportunity
became available, she presented it to me anyway—and that changed my life. God bless Siena House! I will always speak highly of the shelter. In my experience, it was definitely one of the best shelters in the Bronx!Jackie B.
In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I was pregnant, experiencing homelessness, and placed at Siena House. It was one of the most frightening and uncertain times of my life. However, Siena House became a place of hope, where I was treated with kindness, compassion, and dignity.
My son was born while I was living there. Although bringing a newborn into the world during a global pandemic was overwhelming, I had the comfort of knowing we had a safe place to call home. The staff celebrated his arrival, supported me through the challenges of becoming a new mother, and encouraged me to believe that this difficult chapter would not last forever.
Siena House was more than a shelter. It was where I became a mother, brought my son home for the first time, and began rebuilding our future. Siena House gave us safety, stability, hope, and the opportunity to start over with dignity. I will always be grateful for the compassion shown to us and the lasting impact Siena House had on our lives.
Contessa C.
I arrived at Siena House in December 2019 with my 6-month-old son after experiencing homelessness and a period of uncertainty. During one of the most vulnerable times in my life, Siena House provided the safety, stability, and compassionate support we needed. My son was born shortly before my stay, and Siena House became the first place I brought him home. The staff treated me with dignity, supported me as a new mother, and encouraged me to keep working toward a better future. I am especially grateful to my case manager, who believed in me, consistently encouraged me to complete my bachelor’s degree, and helped guide me toward a clearer career path during a very overwhelming time.
Siena House was more than a shelter for my family—it was a place of hope, healing, and new beginnings. The support I received helped me rebuild my confidence, continue my education, and create a more stable life for my children. Because of that foundation, I am now pursuing my master’s degree with the goal of one day opening a nonprofit to support others facing similar challenges. I will always be deeply grateful for the role Siena House played in our story and in shaping the future I am working toward.
Kadesia D.