Young Men's Christian Association of the City of New York. Bowery Branch.

Organized in 1872, the Bowery Branch, also known as the East Third Street Branch, had an unbroken period of service for the unemployed and homeless for 75 years. Early on the branch experimented with providing meals for free or nearly free. The experiment was so successful that it became a permanent feature of the Bowery's services. The innovation continued with opening of dormitories. The Bowery offered the first bed service of any kind in New York's YMCA. After World War II, the branch merged with the newly opened Vocational Services Branch on East 40th Street. The Third Street building was sold to the City of New York in 1947, and continued as a major center for homeless men. The Vocational Services Branch continued many services formerly rendered at "Old Bowery."

From the description of Bowery YMCA records, 1876-1946 (bulk 1930-1946). (University of Minnesota, Minneapolis). WorldCat record id: 63319123

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