Safety Planning for Domestic Violence Survivors
Here In Times Of Crisis
On any given day in New York City, victims of domestic violence face difficult challenges to find safe, secure housing. Urban Resource Institute (URI)’s housing options and programs assist individuals and families – including pets – by respecting their rights to make informed choices and reducing barriers to shelter and safety. Using innovation to solve complex issues, URI helps survivors heal and gain the resources they need to live healthy and independent lives.
people can be served by URI programs each year
%
of URI revenue is spent on programs
%
of US domestic violence shelters allow victims to live together with their pets
WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO
2025 URI Celebration: Rise Up
An inspiring evening that united survivors, supporters, and partners to advance our mission to end domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, and trauma.
Watch the Rise Up! video—featuring powerful voices of hope, healing, and resilience.
Stand with us as we rise for safety, justice, and opportunity for all.
Featured Posts
PALS POLICY “PAWPRINT” FOR ACTION
PALS POLICY “PAWPRINT” FOR ACTION According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, nearly 20 people in the United States are abused by an intimate partner every minute, which amounts to more than 10 million women and men (equal to about half the...
Bridging Dreams to Reality: The Transformative Journey of URI’s Economic Empowerment Program
Bridging Dreams to Reality: The Transformative Journey of URI’s Economic Empowerment Program For many survivors of domestic violence, finding safety, achieving financial independence, and building community are crucial. The Urban Resource Institute’s Economic...
35 Domestic Violence Survivors Graduate from the Working Internship Network (WIN) Program
URI’s Animal-Friendly Accommodations Have Allowed More Than 100 Families to Escape Domestic Violence
Economic Empowerment Center Set to Debut Fall 2019
#SpeakWithoutFear Features Teen Dating Abuse Survivors
Client-Centered Services
We provide quality, compassionate and innovative services to victims of domestic abuse and other vulnerable populations so that they may lead the safest and fullest lives possible.
Domestic Violence
We offer innovative and client-centered programs for survivors of domestic violence.
Homeless Families
We offer safe and secure temporary housing and supportive services.
PALS
Very few shelters accept domestic violence victims with pets. PALS removes barriers to entry by providing accommodations for co-living with pets of any species.
Economic Empowerment Center
Our programs help survivors of domestic violence become self-sufficient and recover from economic abuse.
Pets Are No Longer A Barrier To Shelter
Victims of domestic violence with pets face difficult choices to save their lives. Do they flee with their children and leave their pet behind? Do they place their pet with a rescue organization and hope for the best? Do they stay and try to keep their family intact despite abuse? Or is there a better way?
Very few shelters accept domestic violence victims with pets. URI has designed some shelters just for this purpose. The PALS (People and Animals Living Safely) program can mean the difference between staying in an abusive situation and having options that allow for a victim to gain independence and hope.
PALS removes barriers to entry by providing accommodations for co-living with pets of any species.
Our Holistic Approach
We offer pet-ready apartments and services throughout New York City
They allow families and pets to live and heal together in the same secure space.
Victims are provided a full range of complementary wellness services:
- Safety Planning
- Case Management
- Counseling
- Specialized pet care
- Veterinarians and animal behavioral specialists
- Economic empowerment
- Childcare services
- Educational enhancement
- Nutrition
- Financial literacy
Our aim is to break the cycle of violence, homelessness, and poverty fostering independence and hope.
In Their Own Words
I felt like I was holding my breath, and when we got in the PALS program, I felt like I could exhale. It was a safe space where I could finally feel.
Hope
Support URI Programs
URI relies on financial support from donors like you to help families in crisis. Your donation ensures that individuals, families and their pets can escape abuse, safely heal and gain the resources needed to rebuild their lives.
Any amount can make a big difference.
Often leaving abusive situations with just the clothes on their back, domestic violence victims are starting over from square one and in need of everything from safe, secure housing to school clothes to specialized pet care from animal specialists.
$75
URI in the News
Interview with Nathaniel Fields and Hope Dawson Sessoms
94.7 FM The Block November 10, 2024
Animal rescue partners with 3 domestic violence shelters
Ahwatukee Foothills News October 26, 2024
Shining a light on New York’s lack of shelter access for LGBTQIA+ survivors
Gay City News October 23, 2024