CUCS To Relocate 350 Lafayette Shelter For Homeless Women

NEW YORK, July 30, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) will relocate its 43-bed women's shelter following the sale of the property at 350 Lafayette Street.  CUCS has operated the shelter since 1988 providing transitional housing, mental health, and case management services to homeless women with histories of serious mental illness.

Over the 27-year history, CUCS has placed 1,500 homeless women into housing from the shelter. One of the first municipal shelters operated by a non-for-profit under the City's privatization initiative, the shelter has long been considered 'a jewel of the City's shelter system' and has served as a model for a successful shelter program.

"Given our long history at this building, CUCS has a sentimental attachment to this site and it is hard to let go. Nonetheless, our good work will continue at a new location," said Tony Hannigan, Executive Director. 

350 Lafayette is the last homeless shelter to be located in the NoHo neighborhood, and it is an example of how homeless service providers can work seamlessly within any neighborhood.

"You often hear complaints about shelters and the impact on the community. Then you have this shelter to show the other side of what they can be. This was one of the good ones, doing good works, with little impact on the surrounding area. Many new folks moving into the area never realized the building even housed a shelter," said Jeanne Wilcke Co-Chair, NoHo Neighborhood Association.  "One hopes that their dedicated work will continue on, aiding women who are in great need of support during difficult periods of their lives."

With the Department of Homeless Services support, CUCS is currently working to secure a new site for the shelter to ensure that the women it serves will continue to receive the housing and support needed.  

"CUCS has done an excellent job in working with our clients and building long standing relationships with the community. This is a clear and solid example of their experience and expertise as a quality provider. We are looking forward to collaborating with CUCS in the development of this facility, as they continue to support New York City women in getting back on their feet."

Contact:
Mary Taylor
Center for Urban Community Services
212-801-3380

SOURCE Center for Urban Community Services