“Because you’re homeless doesn’t mean you’re useless. Because you’re homeless doesn’t mean you don’t have a brain or skills”
– DeBoRah Dickerson, Former client and Career Enhancement graduate
On Thursday, May 11th at The Grand Hyatt New York, supporters, influencers, and ambassadors for the cause of ending homelessness came together for an evening of hope and opportunity at Urban Pathways annual Gala.
As a data driven and innovative leader, Urban Pathways ensures that over 2,500 homeless and at-risk New Yorkers have the housing, services and support they need to be self-sufficient.
That means we provide everything from Drop in Centers (Antonio Olivieri Center) to permanent housing (our newest site at 162nd Street in the Bronx) along with supportive services like: Career Enhancement and Medical Wellness Programs among others.
Clients like Brandon Brown have benefited from Urban Pathways programs and services. He had been street homeless for 3 years after moving to New York City. After finding Urban Pathways, Brandon now lives in his own apartment in one of our supportive housing residences. He is currently a senior at Mercy College and works as a medical assistant at Lenox Hill Hospital.
None of this would be possible without the support of Urban Pathways donors, who took the theme of “Work” and raised the necessary funds to support, house, train, advise, feed and provide the way home to thousands of homeless and at-risk men and women.
The benefit piggybacked of last year’s theme of “Keys” with clients and program participants speaking about how it felt to receive keys to their own apartments after living on the streets.
The next step in the continuum of care for our clients and program participants is getting them jobs and helping the re-acclimate back into their communities.
Urban Pathways: Work
Attendees watched the moving “Work” video and listened to inspirational speeches by Urban Pathways Employment Enhancement graduates Daniel Kochanski and DeBorah Dickerson.
Urban Pathways CEO Fred Shack, President Emeritus of the Board of Directors Gary Belsky, and current President Keith Berger spoke about the work Urban Pathways is doing to combat the rise of homelessness in New York City; and the expansion of the Employment Enhancement Program.
Urban Pathways also honored Global Best Selling Author Paco Underhill, Bill and Neil Cote and Proskauer Rose LLP for their service and dedication.
Auctioneer Extraordinaire CK Swett closed the evening live with a cash call pledge to go along with the silent auction.
Thank you to all our supporters and those who attended Urban Pathways gala in helping us end homelessness in New York City.
Thank you for helping us reach at risk and homeless New Yorkers.
Help us continue to provide the way home.