Center for Urban Community Services

02/18/2026

During NYC's recent deadly freeze, our outreach teams were out every morning on the streets of Upper Manhattan finding clients, checking in, and meeting people where they are.

Gothamist and WNYC reporter Ryan Kost followed CUCS Outreach Director Aly Coleman and her team during the crisis.

Her words capture how we approach this work: "It can be really challenging to not approach our clients in a panic... No one is saying we don't believe you've been strong and resilient in the past. But why? Why do we have to be today, right? Let's try to get somewhere warm today."

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4kHX2Os
Listen here: https://bit.ly/3OlG7p4

“These deaths are not inevitable,” Council Speaker Julie Menin said at a hearing last week. “They are the result of gaps in outreach, shelter capacity, mental health services and follow-up."

02/18/2026

CUCS President & CEO, Dawn M. Pinnock sat down with Rena Olsen on the Uncommon Philanthropist podcast to talk about her career journey and about what real, systemic change actually looks like in practice.

Listen on Spotify here: https://bit.ly/4roOaAc
Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4aO9by2

02/17/2026

Calling all case managers ready to level up!

The CUCS Institute's Case Management Certificate Program offers six full-day courses designed to build your skills and confidence, whether you're just starting out or sharpening your practice. You'll learn person-centered documentation, crisis de-escalation, practical counseling techniques, and more, all grounded in NASW standards and taught by experienced licensed social workers.

CE credits available. Learn more at cucs.org/training

02/17/2026

"I have my own. It's mine."

After over a year in shelter, Dolly Campbell and her two children found home at our Williamsbridge Gardens residence in the Bronx. Today, she's not just housed. She's thriving with medical care, mental health services, tutoring for her kids, and a compassionate team that supports the whole family. This is what home makes possible.

Thank you to News12 and Isabella Giardina for sharing Dolly's story and highlighting the impact of supportive housing.

▶️ Watch Dolly's story:

02/13/2026

“Much of the groundwork for code blue success is laid down in painstaking, day-to-day work before a code blue.” - Dr. Van Yu, Chief Medical Officer, CUCS

Dr. Yu and Erica Strang, CUCS Director for the Manhattan Outreach Consortium, spoke at the City Council Committee on General Welfare & Public Safety on Tuesday to share their insights on Code Blue response. Since the first Code Blue notice in November 2025, MOC has made over 320 placements from the streets into housing.

No matter the weather, CUCS’s teams continue to work closely with the City to improve how we respond to vulnerable people on the street during the bitter winter cold.

02/12/2026

What happens when someone can't come inside on their own?

Dr. Tony Carino, CUCS Director of Psychiatry, spoke with PIX11 News about the complex work of keeping New Yorkers safe in sub-zero temperatures.

Watch the video:

02/12/2026

Opportunity opens doors.

From job programs to benefits assistance to support for kids and families, watch our final 2025 Impact video and see how we bring hope to New Yorkers.

02/11/2026

This CNN story captures the heart of our work!

From our dedicated street outreach teams to one of our Safe Havens, CUCS shows up day after day for New Yorkers who need us the most. Thank you Gloria Pazmino, Fredricka Whitfield, and CNN for helping make this work visible.

02/11/2026

Everyone deserves compassionate care.

Watch part two of our 2025 Impact video series highlighting the reach of our healthcare, psychiatric services, and mobile treatment teams.

02/09/2026

Even as temperatures tick up slightly this week, the cold can still be dangerous, especially for people spending long hours outdoors.

We’re grateful to New York for highlighting the Mayor’s visit to one of our Drop-In Center and Safe Haven sites.

Please share warming center locations with anyone who may need them: https://on.nyc.gov/4rdVKNC

And if you’re able, donations help us provide essential cold-weather gear: https://bit.ly/46Czzse

02/09/2026

🏙️ Give your building staff the tools they need to make housing stability possible for tenants!

The CUCS Institute's Property Management & Tenant Success training gives operations, maintenance, and front desk teams the communication skills and de-escalation techniques they need to support vulnerable tenants.

This half-day, scenario-based course addresses real challenges in supportive and affordable housing, from difficult encounters to proactive approaches that help tenants succeed with rent payment, apartment maintenance, and community life. Ideal for staff without social service backgrounds who work directly with formerly homeless and low-income residents.

Learn more at cucs.org/training