Barrier Free Living

What Barrier Free Living does

Barrier Free Living (BFL) is a New York City-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 1981 (originating as a 1978 federally funded research project called "Project Outward Bound"), that delivers a vertically integrated continuum of services — emergency shelter, community-based counseling, advocacy, and permanent supportive housing — exclusively to survivors of domestic violence with disabilities. The organization operates four core programs: Freedom House (the nation's first fully accessible DV emergency shelter, opened 2006, 90–180 day stays), Secret Garden (community-based counseling and case management launched 1997, with English/Spanish/ASL capability and a videophone hotline), BFL Apartments (permanent supportive housing opened 2015, comprising 50 family units and 70 studio apartments in the Bronx), and Freedom Village (a $54 million, 74-unit accessible supportive housing development at 270 E 2nd St., Lower East Side, opened June 11, 2026). Staff composition includes social workers, mental health counselors, case managers fluent in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language, occupational therapists, and emergency childcare specialists.

BFL's revenue model is entirely philanthropic and government-funded: services are free to clients, with funding drawn from individual donations (tiered from $25 to $1,000 plus monthly recurring), corporate sponsorships (annual Journey to Freedom Gala with Gold/Silver/Bronze tiers), in-kind gifts, foundation grants (notably the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation), and substantial New York State and City government contracts — most prominently the $6.9 million Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI) and Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) awards that financed Freedom Village, alongside capital investment from NYS HCR, NYS HTFC, NYS OTDA, DASNY, and NYC HPD. The organization maintains no proprietary technology platform; its digital footprint consists of a WordPress-based website with UserWay accessibility overlay, social media, Vimeo/YouTube video content, and a quarterly newsletter.

BFL's go-to-market is community-led: survivors and referring agencies reach the organization via voice hotline (212-533-4358), videophone (646-807-4020), online chat (Mon–Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM), email, and inter-agency social work referrals. Its customer base consists of four segments: (1) DV survivors with disabilities (primary), (2) medically fragile seniors 55+ transitioning from nursing homes, (3) veterans with disabilities, and (4) agencies seeking training and technical assistance in accessible DV service delivery. The organization has served residents from 40 states through Freedom House and delivers training nationally via HHS/Administration for Community Living grants.

Name

Barrier Free Living

Legal name

Barrier Free Living

Website

https://bflnyc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Barrier Free Living is a New York City-based 501(c)(3) non-profit operating four interconnected programs — emergency shelter, counseling, permanent housing, and supportive housing — exclusively for survivors of domestic violence with disabilities, serving over 1,000 clients annually.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Non-profit Social Services (Accessible Domestic Violence and Supportive Housing)

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Temporary Shelters (624221), Other Residential Care Facilities (623990)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB), Protection Services (GBV, Child Protection, Legal Aid) (BPADADAH), Homelessness Prevention, Shelter & Supportive Housing Services (BPAIANAC)

Keywords

• Accessible domestic violence shelter
• Supportive housing programs
• Disability advocacy services
• Nonprofit social services
• Survivor counseling programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Bronx

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual donors contribute financial support through one-time and recurring monthly donations, with tiered giving levels (e.g., $25, $50, $100, $200, $500, $1,000) that fund specific program needs such as school supplies, diapers, home kits, financial empowerment courses, plane tickets for fleeing survivors, and permanent housing support.
2. Government Grants & Capital Funding: BFL receives significant government funding including a $6.9 million NYS award through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative (ESSHI), Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP), and capital investment from NYS HCR, NYS HTFC, NYS OTDA, DASNY, and NYC HPD. The $54 million Freedom Village project was funded through these public sources.
3. Corporate Sponsorships & Event Revenue: Annual fundraising events such as the Journey to Freedom Gala generate sponsorship revenue from corporate partners at Gold, Silver, and Bronze levels. Sponsors include Urban Builders Collaborative, Lettire Construction, DLA Piper, Akin, Atlantic, Baker Hostetler, Cadwalader, EisnerAmper, Forsyth Street, Global Vision Technologies, MMS Group, and Nelson Mullins.
4. In-Kind Donations: BFL accepts in-kind donations including clothing, holiday toys, back-to-school supplies, laptops, tutoring services, and professional services. Volunteer hours and project dollars from companies supplement direct service delivery.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Barrier Free Living is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides fully accessible domestic violence services and supportive housing for survivors with disabilities. Its core offerings span four integrated programs: Freedom House (emergency shelter, 90-180 day stays), Secret Garden (community counseling and case management), BFL Apartments (permanent housing), and Freedom Village (74 units of supportive housing opened June 2026). All services are provided free of charge and include accessibility features such as ASL-fluent staff, videophone intake, occupational therapy, and trauma-informed design.

Product overview

Barrier Free Living operates a portfolio of four interconnected programs serving survivors of domestic violence with disabilities. Freedom House provides emergency shelter (90-180 day stays), while Secret Garden offers community-based counseling and support. BFL Apartments delivers permanent housing with on-site support services, and Freedom Village (opened June 2026) is a new 74-unit supportive housing development. All programs share a common focus on accessibility for people with disabilities and D/deaf individuals, with shared staff expertise, advocacy services, and occupational therapy resources across the continuum from crisis shelter to permanent housing.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Freedom House: A fully accessible emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence with disabilities and their families. Offers counseling, support groups, advocacy, and safety planning.
• Secret Garden
• BFL Apartments
• Freedom Village

Products and services

• Freedom House Fully accessible emergency domestic violence shelter offering safe, confidential 90-180 day shelter stays for survivors with disabilities and their families, with on-site counseling, support groups, advocacy, safety planning, ASL-fluent staff, occupational therapy, and emergency childcare.
• Secret Garden Award-winning city-wide community-based counseling, case management, support groups, advocacy, and safety planning program for survivors of domestic violence with disabilities, accessible via voice and videophone hotlines.
• BFL Apartments Permanent supportive housing program offering 50 family units and 70 studio apartments for disabled DV survivors, people being diverted from nursing home placement, and veterans with disabilities, with on-site counseling, skill-building workshops, and community events.
• Freedom Village Fully accessible 74-unit supportive housing building for survivors of domestic violence with disabilities and seniors (55+) who are medically fragile, offering on-site counseling, case management, occupational therapy, support groups, and community events.
• Training & Technical Assistance Full roster of training programs and technical assistance on domestic violence and disabilities for agencies, rape crisis centers, and service organizations, including Domestic Violence 101, Barriers to Seeking Safety, and Domestic Violence within the Deaf Community curricula.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 clients served in 2025 across all programs
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Urban Builders Collaborative (Gala Sponsor)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2025Gold-level sponsor of the 2025 Journey to Freedom Gala. Urban Builders Collaborative has an ongoing strategic relationship with BFL as co-developer of Freedom Village.
• Lettire Construction (Gala Sponsor)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2025Gold-level sponsor of the 2025 Journey to Freedom Gala. Lettire Construction has a 20+ year relationship with BFL as its construction partner.
• DLA Piper (Gala Sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2025Gold-level sponsor of the 2025 Journey to Freedom Gala.
• Rinse Rise (In-Kind Partner)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2025Rinse Rise provides free laundry services to BFL shelter residents through its Rinse Rise program, supporting survivors' dignity and healing by removing a basic barrier to daily living.
• Insperity (Gala Sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2025Silver-level sponsor of the 2025 Journey to Freedom Gala. Insperity's NYC team hosted a Valentine-themed volunteer event creating flower bouquets and gifts for BFL families.
• Akin, Atlantic, Baker Hostetler, Cadwalader, EisnerAmper, Forsyth Street, Global Vision Technologies, MMS Group, Nelson MullinsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 December 2025Bronze-level sponsors of the 2025 Journey to Freedom Gala. These law firms, accounting firms, and technology companies provide financial support to BFL's annual fundraising event.
• Urban Builders CollaborativecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 July 2022Urban Builders Collaborative was the development partner for the $54 million Freedom Village project. The partner managed the overall development process, collaborating closely with BFL and construction partners to deliver the 12-story, 74-apartment supportive housing building at 270 E 2nd St, NYC.
• Lettire Construction Corp.coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 July 2022Lettire Construction served as the general contractor for Freedom Village. The firm has a 20+ year relationship with BFL, having previously built the award-winning Freedom House shelter facility. Nick Lettire, President, cited the firm's ongoing commitment to BFL's mission.
• JCJ ArchitecturecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 July 2022JCJ Architecture served as the architectural firm for Freedom Village, designing the 12-story twisting façade building with universal accessibility and trauma-informed design principles. Chief Architectural Officer James E. LaPosta Jr. FAIA LEED AP led the team.
• NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 July 2022OPDV endorsed BFL as LGBTQ+ inclusive and Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Bliss spoke at the Freedom Village ribbon cutting. BFL works with OPDV on gender-based violence prevention programming.
• NYC Mayor's Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 July 2022ENDGBV Commissioner Saloni Sethi spoke at the Freedom Village ribbon cutting. BFL coordinates with the city's ENDGBV office on services for domestic violence survivors.
• NYC Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 July 2022MOPD Commissioner Nisha Agarwal spoke at the Freedom Village ribbon cutting. Commissioner Christina Curry visited the site in October 2025 during construction. BFL's mission aligns closely with MOPD's disability rights mandate.
• InsperityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerInsperity hosted a Valentine-themed volunteer event at its NYC Midtown office, creating flower bouquets, cards, and gifts for children and parents at BFL. Members from Insperity offices across NYC, NJ, and Westchester participated. BFL's Linette Holmes was the special guest.
• Rinse RiseminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRinse Rise partners with BFL to provide free laundry services for survivors at BFL's domestic violence shelter. Rinse states: 'We believe in the power of clean clothing to restore confidence and dignity.'
• Valentine Community ProjectminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity organization that prepared nearly 600 gift bags delivered to 5 different domestic violence shelters, including BFL's shelter and programs.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sanctuary for Families: One of NYC's largest DV service providers offering emergency shelter, counseling, and advocacy. Comparable to BFL as a fellow NYC-based DV nonprofit, though it serves a broader population without the disability-accessibility specialization.
• Urban Resource Institute (URI): NYC nonprofit combining domestic violence shelter with supportive housing and human services, including pet-friendly DV programs. Directly comparable to BFL in mission, NYC geography, and integrated housing-plus-services model.
• Safe Horizon: NYC's leading victim-services nonprofit providing shelter, counseling, and hotlines for crime and DV survivors. Direct peer in scale, geography, and DV service mix; differs from BFL in serving all survivors rather than specializing in disability accessibility.
• Day One: NYC nonprofit providing DV shelter, counseling, and youth-focused prevention programming. Direct peer in NYC DV services delivery and shelter-based service model, though not disability-specialized.
• Violence Intervention Program (VIP): NYC-based DV and human trafficking service provider with shelter, counseling, and advocacy programs serving Latino and other communities. Comparable as a NYC DV nonprofit offering shelter and counseling across the survivor recovery continuum.

Broad incumbents

• Henry Street Settlement: Large, established NYC settlement house offering housing, social services, education, and arts programming on the Lower East Side. Comparable to BFL as a NYC human services nonprofit anchored in the same neighborhood as Freedom Village.
• Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey: Major regional nonprofit providing job training, housing, and disability-inclusive employment services across NYC. Comparable to BFL in serving people with disabilities and operating supportive housing, though with a workforce-development rather than DV focus.
• Volunteers of America Greater New York: National-affiliate nonprofit operating supportive and affordable housing, behavioral health, and DV services across NYC. Comparable to BFL in operating accessible supportive housing units and DV programs under a national umbrella.

Regional players

• Arab-American Family Support Center: NYC-based multilingual social services nonprofit serving immigrant and refugee communities with case management, housing support, and DV advocacy. Comparable to BFL in NYC geography, multilingual service delivery, and DV/housing integration, though focused on cultural-community rather than disability access.

Emerging players

• Center for Independence of the Disabled in New York (CIDNY): NYC disability rights and independent living organization providing advocacy, benefits counseling, and accessibility support. Comparable to BFL's disability-focused service population, though CIDNY centers on independent living advocacy rather than DV-specific shelter/housing.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UClIGoaVseLhqV7xk7Y-iY_Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/barrierfreelivingnyc
• Instagraminstagram.com/bfl_newyork
• Xx.com/BarrierFreeL

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Barrier Free Living