2020 COVID-19 SPECIAL UPDATE: URI SERVES
NEW YORK CITY THROUGH THE PANDEMIC

In early 2020, the world grappled with unprecedented changes to their daily lives as the transmission of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) began to spike and mandatory lockdowns and stay home orders began to be enacted.

While much of New York City remained safely at home, and remote work became standard practice, domestic violence and homeless shelters became the frontlines and staff became essential workers. Urban Resource Institute shelters continued to serve clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, delivering uninterrupted care to those impacted by homelessness and domestic violence.

The Urban Resource Institute's leadership team vigilantly monitored the ever evolving pandemic situation and guidelines, and took all necessary steps to keep clients, staff and facilities safe while operating at full capacity.

Adding complexity was the impact of lockdown and isolation on the incidence of domestic violence, and the impact of the growing economic crisis on driving homelessness. With stay at home orders and the shutdown of many businesses in New York City going into effect in March 2020, COVID-19 exacerbated the already difficult situations of those facing domestic violence. Being in lockdown with the abuser, along with financial stresses, increased the likelihood of abuse, and victims may have been unable to reach out for help while living with the perpetrator. For both the homeless and victims of domestic violence, fear of exposure to COVID-19 often prevented them from seeking shelter

In response, Urban Resource Institute worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the availability and safety of shelter and services. "Safety Planning During COVID" was featured on the website landing page, extensive social media was implemented, and a dozen media interviews helped spread the message.

In addition to managing the impact of COVID-19 on URI shelters, staff and clients, URI leaders, including President and CEO Nathaniel Fields, contributed to the city and state response to COVID-19 through service on the Board of the Human Services Council; Health & Human Services Nonprofits and Social Services Advisory Council on "reopening" New York City; the special COVID-19 domestic violence task force of the New York State Council on Women and Girls; the COVID-19 Response Work Group of the New York City Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence (ENDGBV); the Fatality Review Committee of the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence; and the New York City Mayor's Nonprofits and Social Services Advisory Council.