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.