Founded in 1866, The Floating Hospital was one of the first pediatric healthcare charities in New York City dedicated to caring for the city’s impoverished children and their families.

Our organization’s approach was revolutionary from the beginning: going to where the patients were and bringing them to care. At that time, it was on our ship docked in New York Harbor, with care consisting of medical attention, a bath and meal, health education and a day of recreational respite. Through the decades, we added other forms of relief but never abandoned our core charity mission to provide unrestricted healthcare regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, identity, insurance status, or the ability to pay.

Today, The Floating Hospital provides our services from a modern clinic with an expanded capacity to serve the community.

Airy, bright and welcoming, our flagship clinic dignifies the experience of seeking healthcare for people who otherwise have no medical home.

Our integrated co-located healthcare services include primary medical, dental and behavioral healthcare, and infectious disease and podiatry specialists. An optometry practice was added in 2024. The Floating Hospital’s “more than healthcare” offerings include free health education and shuttle transportation from approximately 300 shelters and domestic violence safe houses citywide; a dedicated life-skills program to help families with school enrollment, housing applications, employment, benefits and education; distribution of essentials such as food, infant and hygiene products, and seasonal clothing; a summer leadership and skills camp for homeless youth; and community clinics offering free HIV and women’s health screenings. At the heart of the clinical operations is a complete teaching kitchen and activity center where patients and community members can partake in hands-on workshops on healthy food sourcing, meal preparation, and other pertinent healthcare-related topics.