For Immediate Release
For press inquiries, contact Dondi Quintans, dquintans@urinyc.org
NEW YORK, January 3, 2024 – Urban Resource Institute (URI), a pioneer in domestic violence shelter services and homelessness support, proudly announces the opening of “New Visions,” its 15th domestic violence shelter in New York City, and the 10th shelter offering housing for families and their pets.
This state-of-the-art, purpose-built facility with 96 units, situated in Queens, is not only a testament to URI’s unwavering commitment to survivors but also marks the 10th anniversary of its groundbreaking People and Animals Living Safely (PALS) program – celebrating a decade of success, having served over 500 families and housed more than 700 pets.
The shelter includes ADA-compliant units, prioritizing accessibility for all survivors, including those with disabilities. Residents will benefit from a range of on-site services, including ongoing case management, mental health assessments, individual and group counseling, client advocacy, transportation assistance, childcare, recreational services, and on-site food pantries. The shelter also aids survivors in identifying and securing permanent housing, and collaborates with community partners and the New York City Department of Education – to provide support and services to homeless and domestic violence survivors’ children, ensuring they have access to education, transportation, and specialized assistance. Residents also gain access to URI’s [http://Economic Empowerment Program” HYPERLINK “https://urinyc.org/program/economic-empowerment/]Economic Empowerment Program services, promoting economic safety and freedom. This initiative includes financial education, workforce development training, and tools for recovery from economic abuse.
“Urban Resource Institute has been a beacon of support for domestic violence survivors for over 40 years. Recognizing that family extends to beloved pets, the PALS program has redefined our approach to trauma-informed services. Our shelters and innovative programs like PALS symbolize our commitment to holistic healing, evolving services, adapting to survivors’ needs, and creating spaces for healing to empower all survivors on their journey to recovery,” said Nathaniel Fields, Chief Executive Officer at URI.
In celebration of the PALS program’s anniversary, URI also released the PALS Policy Pawprint for Action (Pawprint) this year, providing guidance for housing and service providers on supporting survivors co-housing with their pets, including a cost-saving bill (A 7903/S 7608) introduced by Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal, enabling veterinarians to earn credits by providing free care to animals in temporary shelters.
About Urban Resource Institute:
Urban Resource Institute (URI) transforms the lives of domestic violence survivors and homeless families by empowering individuals, families, and communities, particularly communities of color and other vulnerable populations, to end cycles of domestic violence, homelessness, poverty, and trauma by increasing safety and resiliency. As the largest provider of domestic violence shelter services in the US and a leading provider of homeless services, URI’s programs impact more than 40,000 individuals annually through prevention, intervention, education, and direct services in both residential and non-residential settings in New York. URI is recognized as a thought-leader with influence across the U.S. and beyond. For more information, visit www.urinyc.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.
If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call NYC’s 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-621-HOPE or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
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.