Center for Urban Community Services

02/26/2026

In this powerful episode of From There to Here with Jason Shupp, CUCS President and CEO Dawn M. Pinnock shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a family dedicated to public service to leading one of NYC’s most impactful nonprofits tackling housing instability.

Discover how she keeps hope alive in the face of seemingly unsolvable challenges.

🎧 Check out a clip here and listen to the full episode, out now on Spotify https://bit.ly/4qYLFn6 and on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/4aOPRj1

02/24/2026

Great supportive housing starts with great training!

The CUCS Institute's DOHMH Core Trainings are the official foundational series for supportive housing staff, developed in partnership with NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene.

You'll learn trauma-informed, person-centered techniques for tenant engagement, crisis de-escalation, and documentation that centers empowerment and healing. Designed to equip new staff with the essential values, approaches, and tools they need to provide quality care with dignity and respect.

CE credits available. Learn more at cucs.org/training

02/23/2026

With new snow on the ground and dangerously cold temperatures, we're resharing an important story from CNN that showcases how CUCS works across the city to support homeless New Yorkers. Please check it out below:

From our dedicated street outreach teams to one of our Safe Havens, CUCS shows up day after day for New Yorkers who need us the most. Thank you Gloria Pazmino, Fredricka Whitfield CNN, and CNN for helping make this work visible.

02/23/2026

Just in time for what's turning out to be a historical blizzard, we've received a generous donation of beautiful hand-knit hats, scarves, and blankets from the Bryant Park Corporation.

We're so grateful to be celebrating our 6th consecutive year of partnership with Bryant Park and their incredible knitting group, who once again handcrafted a gorgeous collection for clients at our Drop-In Center.

Six years. Countless stitches. And a tradition of community care. Thank you, Bryant Park and all of the knitters for continuing to show up for our neighbors with such creativity, warmth, and generosity. ❤️

02/22/2026

🔵 ENHANCED CODE BLUE IN EFFECT 🔵

As of yesterday afternoon, NYC is in an Enhanced Code Blue due to the impending blizzard. What does that mean?

✅ CUCS's Outreach Teams are coordinating with our partners at the NYC Department of Homeless Services to bring people inside across the city
✅ Warming Centers are open in every borough, find one here: https://on.nyc.gov/4rdVKNC
✅ No one will be turned away from shelters and Drop-In Centers
✅ Calls to 311 requesting help for anyone outside and vulnerable will be directed to 911

Here's how you can help right now:
❄️ Make a donation to support the purchase of critical cold-weather gear for our unhoused, at-risk neighbors. Visit https://bit.ly/4rvQZiP

❄️ If you see someone outside in the cold, call 311 to request assistance

02/18/2026

During NYC's recent deadly freeze, our outreach teams were out every morning on the streets of Upper Manhattan finding clients, checking in, and meeting people where they are.

Gothamist and WNYC reporter Ryan Kost followed CUCS Outreach Director Aly Coleman and her team during the crisis.

Her words capture how we approach this work: "It can be really challenging to not approach our clients in a panic... No one is saying we don't believe you've been strong and resilient in the past. But why? Why do we have to be today, right? Let's try to get somewhere warm today."

Read the full story: https://bit.ly/4kHX2Os
Listen here: https://bit.ly/3OlG7p4

“These deaths are not inevitable,” Council Speaker Julie Menin said at a hearing last week. “They are the result of gaps in outreach, shelter capacity, mental health services and follow-up."

02/18/2026

CUCS President & CEO, Dawn M. Pinnock sat down with Rena Olsen on the Uncommon Philanthropist podcast to talk about her career journey and about what real, systemic change actually looks like in practice.

Listen on Spotify here: https://bit.ly/4roOaAc
Watch on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4aO9by2

02/17/2026

Calling all case managers ready to level up!

The CUCS Institute's Case Management Certificate Program offers six full-day courses designed to build your skills and confidence, whether you're just starting out or sharpening your practice. You'll learn person-centered documentation, crisis de-escalation, practical counseling techniques, and more, all grounded in NASW standards and taught by experienced licensed social workers.

CE credits available. Learn more at cucs.org/training

02/17/2026

"I have my own. It's mine."

After over a year in shelter, Dolly Campbell and her two children found home at our Williamsbridge Gardens residence in the Bronx. Today, she's not just housed. She's thriving with medical care, mental health services, tutoring for her kids, and a compassionate team that supports the whole family. This is what home makes possible.

Thank you to News12 and Isabella Giardina for sharing Dolly's story and highlighting the impact of supportive housing.

▶️ Watch Dolly's story:

02/13/2026

“Much of the groundwork for code blue success is laid down in painstaking, day-to-day work before a code blue.” - Dr. Van Yu, Chief Medical Officer, CUCS

Dr. Yu and Erica Strang, CUCS Director for the Manhattan Outreach Consortium, spoke at the City Council Committee on General Welfare & Public Safety on Tuesday to share their insights on Code Blue response. Since the first Code Blue notice in November 2025, MOC has made over 320 placements from the streets into housing.

No matter the weather, CUCS’s teams continue to work closely with the City to improve how we respond to vulnerable people on the street during the bitter winter cold.

02/12/2026

What happens when someone can't come inside on their own?

Dr. Tony Carino, CUCS Director of Psychiatry, spoke with PIX11 News about the complex work of keeping New Yorkers safe in sub-zero temperatures.

Watch the video:

02/12/2026

Opportunity opens doors.

From job programs to benefits assistance to support for kids and families, watch our final 2025 Impact video and see how we bring hope to New Yorkers.