Our Story
We’re New York’s first legal dispensary, and every dollar you spend here goes straight to Housing Works—a nonprofit that’s been fighting for justice in this city since 1990.
Every purchase funds housing, healthcare, and hope for New Yorkers who need it most.
How We Got Here
1990: Four members of ACT UP New York—Keith Cylar, Charles King, Eric Sawyer, and Virginia Shubert— were angered at the mistreatment of unhoused people living with AIDS. They started Housing Works to change this.
December 29, 2022: NYC’s first legal cannabis dispensary opens at 4:20 PM.
Today: Our dispensary delivery across the city, and millions have been raised for the work that matters.
What We Do
Housing
700+ units of permanent supportive housing across the city.
Healthcare
Six community health centers providing real care for real people.
Harm Reduction
Syringe exchange, overdose prevention, medication support, and mental health services. We meet people where they are.
Legal Advocacy
Impact litigation and policy work. Changing systems, not symptoms.
Job Training
Real skills, real opportunities.
Why Cannabis?
The War on Drugs destroyed the communities we serve for decades. Prohibition was never about public safety; it was about criminalizing Black and brown communities, LGBTQ+ people, and anyone who didn’t fit the mold.
Now, we’re using cannabis to undo that damage. Every purchase supports justice.
Our Approach: Harm Reduction
We don’t judge. We don’t lecture. We meet people where they are.
What we believe:
- People have the right to make their own health decisions
- Informed choices beat forced choices every time
- Healing happens when we lift each other up
- Everyone deserves care, respect, and dignity
By the Numbers
- $12 million raised in our first six months as a dispensary
- 15,000+ New Yorkers served annually
- 700+ units of permanent supportive housing
- 6 health centers across NYC
- 100% of cannabis profits donated to our mission
Get Involved
Volunteer
- Bookstore Café: Help create a welcoming space
- Thrift Shops: Sort donations, help customers
- Group Volunteering: Bring your crew
Support
- Donate: Tax-deductible cash donations
- Drop Off: Clothes, furniture, books at any Thrift Shop location
- Become a Member: Join the community, get store perks
- Corporate Partnerships: Many companies match donations
Making Headlines
Recent Coverage
The Historic Opening
Visit Us
Delivery: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and more
The Real Story
35+ years fighting for justice. Thousands of lives changed.
Your purchase supports the work that makes this city better. Housing Works is stronger because you shop with us.
Stay Connected
Be the first to know about new products, community events, and ways to support the fight.
