Urban Resource Institute’s People and Animals Living Safely, the only program in New York State allowing domestic violence victims to co-shelter with their pets, partially funded by ASPCA. Urban Resource Institute today announced the generous continuing support of its People and Animals Living Safely program by the ASPCA.
As many as 48% of domestic violence victims stay in abusive situations because they don’t want to leave their pet behind. Created in 2013, Urban Resource Institute’s People and Animals Living Safely program—abbreviated as URIPALS—is the first program in the state of New York and one of the few in the country that allows domestic violence survivors to live in a shelter apartment with their pets.
“Pets are part of the family and the URIPALS program has been a lifeline for many, allowing entire families, pets included, to flee an abusive situation and heal together safely,” said Nathaniel Fields, president and CEO of Urban Resource Institute. “The ASPCA has been a great partner in helping us to ensure that fewer victims of domestic violence and their families have to make the terrible choice between their safety and leaving a pet behind.”
To date, Urban Resource Institute’s People and Animals Living Safely program has served 52 families with 75 pets; in total, 42 cats, 25 dogs, six turtles, one betta fish and one bearded dragon. Thanks to the ASPCA’s Partners in Caring grant, these animals have also been provided with wellness exams, necessary vaccinations, and spaying and neutering by local veterinarians and in ASPCA hospitals.
To learn more about the Urban Resource Institute’s People and Animals Living Safely program, please visit www.urinyc.org/domestic-violence/pals.
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About Urban Resource Institute:
Urban Resource Institute is a leading non-profit organization that provides comprehensive, holistic, and supportive human services programs that help individuals and families in the New York metropolitan area overcome obstacles and better their lives. With a rich 35-year legacy of social service research and expertise, deep community relationships, and a flexible, innovative approach to program development and service delivery, URI is uniquely equipped to provide solutions to the challenges affecting New York’s most vulnerable populations. URI’s hands-on programs for victims of domestic violence and the developmentally disabled are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the individual, while community outreach initiatives build wider visibility and support for the issues that have an impact on our clients’ quality of life and New York’s urban communities. For more information, please visit www.urinyc.org.
Contact:
Eseohe Yamasaki
Urban Resource Institute
646 604 7923
eyamasaki@urinyc.org
Join us in honoring clients, partners, and supporters who champion our mission and raise funds to enhance our life-changing services. We’re also celebrating a decade of PALS honoring the bond between domestic violence survivors and their pets.