Center for Urban Community Services
Helping New Yorkers rise from poverty, exit homelessness, and be healthy
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!
CUCS Report - February 2025
In this February CUCS Report, you will learn about the CUCS Street Outreach response when the temperature dips below freezing, as well as the ongoing care we provide our unsheltered clients and neighbors.
CUCS Report - December 2024: Make a Difference December
Learn about how CUCS is making a difference in the lives of vulnerable New Yorkers. Join CUCS and make a difference this December.
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.
CUCS Report - November 2024: The Power of Gratitude
In this issue, we offer you the opportunity to watch Sharifa’s Story, which shows the journey out of homelessness for a family living in CUCS family supportive housing.
We also provide an engaging recap of our memorable fall fundraiser, Igniting Hope.
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 Report - October 2024: Our Fall Fundraiser, Igniting Hope
This month’s CUCS Report provides a brief introduction to the unique and impactful work that CUCS provides homeless families through our growing portfolio of permanent supportive housing family sites.
As you read this month’s newsletter and learn more about CUCS’ permanent housing family sites, we hope that you decide to join us on October 17th for “Igniting Hope: Making a Difference for all New Yorkers”
CUCS Report - September 2024: 2 Years of Success at Paul's Place Drop-In Center
CUCS offers a holistic approach to the services we provide our clients. Wherever they are, whatever they need, we have a program and a staff that meets them, guides and provides for them, and helps them formulate and meet their goals.
As you read about the work at Paul’s Place Drop-in Center and hear from our Program Director, Tamara Bryant, you will understand how our staff provides the same care we would want for our own families.
Op-Ed | Welcoming safe haven neighbors is key to addressing homelessness in NYC
CUCS/Janian is at the forefront of serving our most vulnerable populations. Using a variety of models to help New York’s homeless population, CUCS/Janian offers essential services such as primary medical care, psychiatric support, and assistance with finding permanent housing.
In this op ed, co-authored by CUCS Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel and Joslyn Carter, Administrator of the NYC Department of Homeless Services, we share the importance of partnership in creating solutions. Washington Street Safe Haven will help individuals transition from the streets to stable homes.
Read how CUCS is changing lives and strengthening communities across the city.
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.