Urban Pathways

The Urban Pathways team just landed at the National Alliance to End Homelessness Capitol Hill Day in Washington D.C.! Throughout the day, we will be meeting with members of Congress to advocate for increased funding for Homeless Assistance Grants and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance. We’re looking forward to working with our peers from around the U.S. to end homelessness and build brighter futures for our communities. #NAEH2024

“Between 2022 and 2023, avoidable emergency room visits for Urban Pathways sites with the health program dropped from 102 to 50. And now 93% of residents are receiving primary care, compared to 72% at sites without the program, according to the nonprofit.” Gothamist recently visited Urban Pathways and spoke with several staff and residents about the Total Wellness Program. To learn more about the innovative approach to healthcare in supportive housing settings, visit the link below. https://lnkd.in/eRgKfqU9

Words of wisdom from our Medical Director!

“Between 2022 and 2023, avoidable emergency room visits for Urban Pathways sites with the health program dropped from 102 to 50. And now 93% of residents are receiving primary care, compared to 72% at sites without the program, according to the nonprofit.” Gothamist recently visited Urban Pathways and spoke with several staff and residents about the Total Wellness Program. To learn more about the innovative approach to healthcare in supportive housing settings, visit the link below. https://lnkd.in/eRgKfqU9

Helmsley staff recently volunteered to create hygiene kits for Urban Pathways, a nonprofit organization in New York that works to provide housing and services to homeless adults. Our New York City Program funds organizations that support New Yorkers with complex health and social needs, such as homelessness. Helmsley assembled and donated 1,100 of these kits, which contain items such as deodorant, body wipes, sunscreen, and socks. Urban Pathways staff now have the bags on hand for clients in their centers and with their outreach teams. Learn more about Urban Pathways: https://urbanpathways.org/

Another great experience presenting at Wave Hill. And I’m leaving with a plant! Thank you Association for Community Living, Inc. for having me as your keynote speaker. Today’s topic: Emerging Leaders.

The Network and members testified at yesterday's New York City Council Committee on Contracts hearing highlighting the impacts of late contract payments and the challenges with PASSPort system implementation: "Despite the essential services provided, the nonprofits we represent wait years for reimbursement from the city. This forces them to take out costly loans to cover salaries and other expenses, diverting funds away from direct services," Network Executive Director Pascale Leone. "As of today, Breaking Ground is owed $23 million from Department of Homeless Services...During 2023, we paid $830 thousand in unreimbursed interest expense on our lines of credit and continue to pay $90 thousand per month in 2024. Based on payment delays, it is a constant struggle to meet payroll demands and keep vendors," Breaking Ground (NYC Permanent Supportive Housing) President & CEO and Network Board Chair Brenda. "At any given time, Fortune has millions of dollars incurred in out of pocket expenses for services that can't be reimbursed because contracts haven't been executed. In face of delays to deliver services, we are forced to draw on lines of credit with 8-9% interest," The Fortune Society Policy Council Lily J. Shapiro. "Urban Pathways is currently owed approximately $3.9 million from the city on DHS and DOHMH contracts, mainly from the inability to submit invoices. Some DHS funds owed are also due to delays to getting budget modifications approved," Urban Pathways Director of Policy Nicole McVinua, LMSW. Thank you to our members for your advocacy.

“Living without a home—a reality we’ve both faced—has shown us that the unhoused are often viewed not as people but as easy targets for acts of cruelty. The rampant criminalization of homelessness further lowers the threshold for violence against us.” In this powerful op-ed from advocates with lived experience at Urban Pathways and Care for the Homeless, Will Woods and M.A. Dennis speak about why we urgently need the Homeless Protection Act. Let's #PasstheHPA this session!

We are grateful for the donation of 1,100 hygiene kits, provided and packed by The Helmsley Charitable Trust. These kits contain much-needed items like sunscreen, socks, toothpaste and body wipes, as well as information about where folks can go to find meals, clothing and medical care. Kits like these not only provide essentials to people experiencing homelessness, they also allow Urban Pathways' staff to build a foundation of trust and offer further services and housing assistance.

Spring has sprung at Hughes House following our annual Planting Day! For the past four years, residents and staff at Hughes House, an Urban Pathways supportive housing program in the Bronx, have teamed up to design and plant flower beds in the patio. This year, the team planted perennials that will return year after year. Residents take pride in watering and weeding the flower beds throughout the growing season, and of course, having a serene and beautiful outdoor space has a positive impact on everyone! Thank you to everyone who made this year’s Planting Day a success.