Since 1982, El Carmelo Residence has been operating on 14th Street and Eight Avenue in downtown Manhattan. Founded and managed by Carmelite Sisters Teresa of San Joseph's nuns, the residence host women - no men allowed - who come to New York to work or to get education. "El Carmelo offers for them a secure and inexpensive place to live and an environment of friendship and mutual respect," Carmelite sister Ángela Pérez, said.
The Carmelite Residence is next to a Catholic Church - The Our Lady of Guadalupe, as well as other Catholic and diverse denominations churches located nearby, within walking distance. That is the main reason for its high affluence of immigrants and newcomers seeking advice and comfort from the nuns who run the residence.
But there are limitations for residents of El Carmelo, in other words, the place has a curfew. From 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. the door closes and any resident who is outside has to spend the night out. "You have to be here on time," says the brochure that each prospective resident receives at the door.