After years of serving as a central hub for homeless intake in Manhattan, the expansive Bellevue Shelter in Midtown is closing its doors, prompting a significant realignment of services for New York City’s unhoused population. The city plans to transfer intake operations to two other shelter locations elsewhere in Manhattan, a move that officials say aims to streamline resources but has raised concerns among advocates about access and continuity of care.

Bellevue’s shelter has long been one of the largest and most visible homeless intake centers in the city, situated in a bustling corridor near Grand Central Terminal. Its closure marks a notable shift in the city’s approach to managing homelessness in Midtown, an area where shelter visibility has been a contentious topic for residents and business owners alike. City officials have emphasized that the relocation of intake services will not reduce the number of available beds but will instead distribute them across multiple sites to better manage demand.

However, advocates for homeless New Yorkers worry that dispersing intake services to two separate Manhattan locations could create logistical challenges for individuals seeking shelter. ‘‘For many, Bellevue was the first and easiest place to turn, especially for those unfamiliar with the system or without reliable transportation,’’ said a spokesperson for a local homeless outreach organization. The new intake points, both farther uptown, might pose barriers for some, particularly those with mobility issues or limited means.

This transition comes amid ongoing debates about the city’s shelter system, which has faced criticism for overcrowding and insufficient support services. The closure of such a prominent Midtown site may also reshape the surrounding neighborhood’s dynamic, impacting both local businesses and community groups who have long navigated the complexities of homelessness in a high-traffic area.

As New York City continues to address its homelessness crisis, the shuttering of the Bellevue Shelter serves as a reminder of the evolving strategies and persistent challenges in providing safe and accessible shelter. The city has pledged to monitor the impact of this shift closely and to ensure that no one is left without a place to turn in the heart of Manhattan.