Center for Urban Community Services
Helping New Yorkers rise from poverty, exit homelessness, and be healthy
Home For Good Gala
Join us October 8th for the 2025 Home for Good Gala, a joyful night of inspiring speakers, awards, cocktails, hors d’oeurves and special museum gallery access!
Summer at CUCS
The summer edition of the CUCS Report reflects on all we’ve accomplished this summer, and the vital work still happening.
From protecting people during extreme heat, to Janian Medical Care bringing health and housing support to Staten Island, to families making joyful memories at the Hannigan family permanent supportive housing program, each story shows the power of connection and care.
Hitting the pavement in Harlem with one of NYC’s street psychiatrists
CUCS Report: Janian NYC Street Psychiatry Conference
Shelter, Support, Solutions: Paula Laidley
Get to know Paula Laidley, Program Director at CUCS’s Washington Street Safe Haven, in a powerful new staff spotlight from Homeless Services United.
From starting as a front desk attendant to leading one of NYC’s newest shelters, Paula shares what drives her work and how she helps clients thrive. Her story is all about leadership, compassion, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
Thank you to HSU for highlighting Paula’s journey and the vital work happening at CUCS!
Read the interview today:
https://hsunited.org/shelter-support-solutions-paula-laidley/
PODCAST: President & CEO Dawn M. Pinnock shares her vision
Watch The Caring Economy podcast:
As the first woman and first person of color to lead CUCS, Dawn shares her bold vision for addressing homelessness through integrated care, systemic equity, and community-based leadership.
If you care about public health, affordable housing, and the future of cities—this episode is for you!
Supporting homeless survivors of domestic abuse
A CUCS client reflects on her journey from trauma to stability in this must-read op-ed. Together, we can create a future where every New Yorker has a place to call home.
Letter to the Editor by Dr. Van Yu, Chief Medical Officer
In an important letter to the editor responding to a recent New York Times article, Dr. Van Yu, Chief Medical Officer of CUCS, explains the critical work of providing compassionate care to those living on our streets.
“If you encounter a neighbor living outside, chances are we know them. We very likely have offered them care. If they have accepted that care, then we have reduced their suffering and are helping them along their pathway to housing. If they haven’t, we will keep trying.” – Dr. Van Yu
CUCS In the News: How homelessness can be viewed as a symptom of mental illness
Please read this in-depth article by Phenix Kim in the latest edition of New York Nonprofit Media.
https://www.nynmedia.com/news/2024/07/how-homelessness-can-be-viewed-symptom-mental-illness/398033/
Our Impact
Jennifer’s story is a success story - a story of hope. Her journey out of homelessness takes her through transitional housing, case management, and permanent supportive housing.
Jennifer
I am so excited for every new permanent supportive housing program we open because that is the best, most effective intervention to solve homelessness.
Adina
What's important to me? My health, stability...I just want a job. I'm thankful for the Hannigan.