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Innovative Client-Centered Services

Urban Resource Institute helps transform the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families, with a focus on communities of color and other vulnerable populations. We have deepened our impact and become the largest provider of domestic violence shelter services in the U.S. Our holistic approach encompasses innovative prevention and intervention programs and direct services.

Learn more about the URI Vision, Mission and Values.

woman smiling flanked by smiling children

PALS For All

PALS for All is designed for any human service organization—domestic violence shelters, homeless family shelters, social service agencies, animal welfare groups, and more—ready to open their doors to Families with pets.

People & Animals Living Safely

Our PALS program now operates in 11 shelters, serving over 600 families and 800 pets. Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, PALS also opened NYC's first pet-inclusive homeless shelter. Discover more.

Blueprint for change new report for 2024 to end cycles of gender based violence and homelessness

It's time for change!

Intimate partner homicides surged by 29.2% between 2021 & 22 in New York City. This rise is a result of disinvestment in victim’s services and violence prevention. Explore solutions in our new A Blueprint for Change Report.

Safety Planning for Domestic Violence Survivors

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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.

40,000

people can be served by URI programs each year

88%

of URI revenue is spent on programs

of US domestic violence shelters allow victims to live together with their pets

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.

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.

Homeless Families

We offer safe and secure temporary housing and supportive services.

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.

PALS Pet Family Graphic

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

Broken Chain Icon

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

Domestic Violence Survivor Holds a Dog with a Blue Background

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.

Donate

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.

$25

can provide emergency food for victims entering shelter.

$50

can provide educational materials for children in shelter.

$75

can provide behavior assessment and training for a dog suffering from trauma

$150

can provide access to therapeutic intervention for children who witness incidents of abuse.

$500

can provide startup items for domestic violence victims as they move to permanent housing.

URI in the News

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