There are big concerns from neighbors, so Eyewitness News asked the Department of Social Services about it. They said in a statement that a community advisory board has been set up, and they are opening up a clinic to ramp up support at this location.
Neighbors, however say it's too late.
"They are walking around sometimes without shoes on asking for food, things that should be provided for the shelter," said Stacey, who lives nearby.
Stacey is one of the hundreds of people on the Upper West Side living near West 58th Street and Amsterdam Ave. who are reporting problems after a women's shelter opened up this spring.
She says her concerns are for the shelter residents and the neighborhood.
"I personally have seen fighting - physical fights between some of the women. I've called 911, 311 and the shelter many times, and I just see a lack of oversight," Stacey says.
On Thursday, residents showed photos capturing the issues - from naked women talking to children, to fights and cussing i the streets and to beer bottles and marijuana cartridges in the nearby park.
"I will audit and investigate every homeless shelter in New York, make sure the shelters are safe," says New York Attorney General Candidate Saritha Komatireddy.
On Saturday, the uproar was enough to bring dozens out to a press conference, including Komatireddy.
Saritha Komatireddy, Candidate, New York Attorney General
"Make sure that when taxpayers give money to homeless shelters, that those homeless shelters actually help the homeless, not just themselves," Komatireddy said.
Gale Brewer, New York City Council, District 6
"I think that when you were placing a shelter in a residential area, and I've been through this for 40 years, I'm very familiar. You really need to consider the behavior of the clients," said Council member Gale Brewer.
Brewer said she has heard from schools in the area, The Department of Social Services and residents themselves. She says a change needs to happen.
"It should have been affordable, permanent housing and not a shelter, but I lost that fight. Now we need to have a change of client," says Brewer.
Eyewitness News received a statement from Project Renewal with the shelter.
They say they have increased outreach and are responding promptly when concerns arise.
Project Renewal also says the health clinic will open on site once federally approved.
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