Urban Pathways

Our Chief Administrative Officer Gary P. Jenkins joined Supportive Housing Network of New York's Pascale Leone on NY1 to discuss how federal funding cuts and shifting policies will affect New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. The conversation underscores why the Housing First approach remains one of the most effective ways to support people working toward safe, stable housing. Watch the full segment here: https://lnkd.in/edWPG_nx

We’re proud to share that Jose Cotto, LCSW, our very own Chief Program Officer, will be joining a virtual panel discussion tomorrow on the state of homelessness and hunger in New York City. Hosted by Housing Solutions of New York, this conversation brings together government and nonprofit leaders working every day to address rising food insecurity and housing instability across our city. Jose will speak to what we’re seeing on the ground, the barriers people face when trying to access safe housing, and the pathways forward that center dignity, stability, and long-term support. 🗓 Date: Thursday, November 20 🕒 Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm EST 📍 Free Virtual Event If you’re interested in learning more about the complex challenges New Yorkers are facing and how organizations like ours are responding, we invite you to join the event. RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/epN6wfTQ

When people with complex health issues fall through the cracks of our current homelessness response system, the impacts ripple across our entire city—overcrowded shelters, strained hospitals, and stretched public services. We believe we can do better. We are proud to be a part of The Collaborative on Housing for Health, convened and supported by the The Helmsley Charitable Trust, alongside partners Center for Urban Community Services | CUCS, Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services, INSTITUTE FOR COMMUNITY LIVING, INC, and Commissioner Molly Wasow Park.  The Collaborative just released a roadmap with actionable steps to strengthen NYC’s existing system to ensure that New Yorkers with complex health needs have a clear path to stability and supportive housing. Together, we can create a coordinated system that works for everyone.  VIEW THE ROADMAP: https://lnkd.in/eXBnwZ_z  

At Urban Pathways, we know that creativity can open doors to confidence, connection, and healing. These artists are a wonderful reminder of the strength and beauty that come from self-expression—powerful work!

Urban Pathways is proud to join Fifth Avenue Committee, New Destiny Housing Corporation, and UHAB in the Working Capital Revolving Match Fund—an initiative of FJC - A Foundation of Philanthropic Funds with support from Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation. The program provides matching funds and low-interest loans to help accelerate affordable housing development across NYC. “This fund will be the foundation for developing housing more strategically and rapidly, opening doors to safe, permanent housing for our neighbors experiencing homelessness,” said Ariel Garcia, Chief Housing Development Officer at Urban Pathways. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eHShEqVh

📢 Last week, Urban Pathways stood with our partners at the Supportive Housing Network of New York and Correct Crisis Intervention Today NYC (CCIT-NYC) to call for stronger support for housing and mental health services. At City Hall, the Network led an emergency #SaveTheCoC rally to protect and expand Continuum of Care funding—the backbone of supportive housing and the national homeless response system. We thank Senators Gillibrand and Schumer for prioritizing this funding and urge them to keep it in the final bill. #SupportiveHousingSavesLives CCIT-NYC also mobilized to reform mental health crisis response in NYC. Too often, New Yorkers having a mental health crisis still receive a police response through 911. Expanding the use of 988 as the dispatch system for peer-led response teams through B-HEARD would shift the city’s approach to one that is more compassionate and effective. #PeersNotPolice We are always grateful to our partner organizations for bringing the community together and for their relentless advocacy.

"To end homelessness, the solution is clear: build more housing and offer comprehensive wraparound services." We're proud to have passionate, no-nonsense leaders like Gary P. Jenkins representing Urban Pathways in forums like the SEEN II Symposium this week!

Section 8 helps more than 1 million New Yorkers keep a roof over their heads. But Trump’s FY26 budget would slash this critical support—putting thousands of families, seniors, and children at risk of losing their homes. Today, Urban Pathways stood with our partners in the Homes Can’t Wait coalition at a rally on the steps of City Hall, as the NYC Council held a hearing on the proposed federal budget cuts to Section 8 and other essential housing supports. Advocate and Urban Pathways resident Will W. put it plainly: “They don’t see us as human beings.” We cannot fight homelessness by cutting housing, food, and health care. Congress must hear from us. 👉 Take action: contact your representatives today and urge them to reject these devastating cuts and protect housing for New Yorkers. Send a message: https://lnkd.in/ey4UqhHf #StopTheFederalCuts #HousingIsAHumanRight #NYAgainstCuts

A new federal executive order could dramatically change how New York City supports people experiencing homelessness. This WNYC Radio/Gothamist article breaks down what the order means, how it conflicts with the Housing First model, and what’s at stake for thousands of New Yorkers. Housing First has been recognized for decades as the most effective approach: provide people with stable housing first, without preconditions, and then connect them to services that address health, employment, addiction and other needs. Yet as the article points out, the debate isn’t just about philosophy—it’s about resources and political will. Urban Pathways CEO Frederick Shack is quoted throughout the piece, reminding readers that Housing First hasn’t failed—it simply has never been fully funded. As he notes, “You can’t solve the problem without the resources.” Thank you to reporter Karen Yi for covering this important issue and helping to clarify what these federal changes could mean for New Yorkers. https://lnkd.in/eQ8sGR4j

Some good news from the supportive housing world! Urban Pathways recently celebrated the passing of Intro. 1100, the "Jail is not a Home" bill sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera. This legislation ensures that time spent in jail or prison counts toward the required period of homelessness for supportive housing eligibility, removing a significant barrier that has long prevented many New Yorkers from qualifying for the housing and support they need. "At Urban Pathways, we witness every day how the lack of stable housing fuels the cycle of incarceration, homelessness, and mental health crises,” said Gary P. Jenkins, Chief Administrative Officer of Urban Pathways. “The passage of Intro. 1100 is a vital step toward disrupting that cycle. By recognizing time spent in incarceration as part of a person’s homeless history, New York City is opening the door to supportive housing—and with it, the possibility of recovery, stability, and a second chance at life.” Learn more about the "Jail is not a Home" bill in Council Member Rivera's op-ed here: https://lnkd.in/emvZRbjX