One coffee stand’s goal in Times Square is not to stand out, but to blend in.

The stand, known as the “Recharge Station,” opened in 2021 and offers resources for people in the area to get a safe bed, food or mental health services.

“I feel people come away from here feeling more uplifted than not,” said coffee stand worker David Reines.

Reines has worked at the stand since it opened. The coffee stand workers are members of Fountain House, a national nonprofit.

Reines was hospitalized for eight months for mental health problems.

“It’s important there’s a place where people can go if they’re homeless and be welcomed. And to not be treated like a second-class citizen,” Reines said.

The stand is a joint effort with the Times Square Alliance and community partners including Fountain House.

“We work to build trust first,” said Fountain House director Nancy Young. “Sometimes when people are rejecting help or afraid of help, it’s because they really haven’t built a relationship with a consistent person. So, we have consistent people here all the time.”

In one year, a chat over free coffee or a game of chess has led to 375 connections and provided around 1,100 services.

Services include food, clothing and permanent housing. And while language is a barrier, translation apps help for people like Manuel, who’s a migrant from Honduras.

"We come here with friends, we enjoy, it feels boring when it’s closed,” Manuel said.

Reines has become accustomed to familiar faces, like Manuel’s, even outside the stand.

“Since I’ve been in recovery I’m learning how to talk to people easier, and I like talking to people,” Reines said.