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About UsWe envision a New York of thriving communities where everyone has a place to call home.

Our MissionCombatting homelessness through housing and support services while advocating for systemic change.

Since 1975, Urban Pathways has remained unwaveringly committed to addressing the complex challenges of homelessness and housing insecurity in New York City. Rooted in compassion and driven by a desire for positive change, our team provides thousands of people with secure housing annually, complemented by pioneering and holistic support programs. With a focus on empowerment and collaboration, we envision a future where every person has access to safe, affordable housing and the resources they need to thrive.

Within our continuum of care, which ranges from Outreach to Permanent Supportive Housing, we meet each person where they are and walk alongside them on their pathway home.

Our Work

Urban Pathways through the years...

For nearly fifty years, Urban Pathways has been working to ensure that everyone in New York City has a place to call home. We began as a coalition of neighborhood centers and settlement houses based on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Today, we’re a thriving human services organization, operating in four boroughs, that delivers a full continuum of housing and services to more than 2,400 individuals every year.

our history

1975

Founded in 1975, Urban Pathways was originally a coalition of neighborhood centers and settlement houses located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.

1980

The Antonio G. Olivieri Drop-In Center opened on W 30th St., one of New York City’s first drop-in centers, providing 24-hour access to meals, clothing, showers, and case management.

1991

The name Urban Pathways was adopted.

1997

The Ivan Shapiro House opened, named in honor of former Board Member, Ivan Shapiro. This program provides housing and services to 55 adults.

Operation Alternative began to provide outreach services at the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

The UPwards program started, offering job-readiness and job-placement assistance.

2000

Outreach services expanded to Penn Station and the PATH Station.

Urban Pathways Travelers Hotel safe haven

2007

Travelers Hotel was renamed Travelers Safe Haven.

2009

Urban Pathways began offering Outreach services in the Flatiron BID District.

Hegeman Safe Haven opened in Brooklyn, serving 55 adults.

2012

Hughes House and The Residence at Hallet’s Cove opened in 2012, providing 105 new units of permanent supportive housing.

Urban Pathways assumed operating responsibility for Crotona Community Residence.

2014

The Clinton Avenue Residence opened, offering 55 more units of permanent supportive housing.

2016

The Fairmount Residence opened, providing housing for 23 formerly-homeless veterans.

The JISH (Justice-Involved Supportive Housing) Initiative began leasing apartments to 30 adults with histories of incarceration.

The NYC 15/15 housing initiative provided funding to lease 45 apartments for adults throughout New York City.

The Total Wellness Program was offered for the first time at Hughes House in the Bronx.

2017

The 162nd Street Residence opened, with 55 units of housing for adults who had experienced homelessness and 31 units of low-income housing for senior citizens.

The 105th Street Safe Haven opened on the Upper West Side, becoming Urban Pathways’ third transitional housing residence for 33 adults.

2018

The Howard Amron House opened, with 11 units of permanent supportive housing for adults who had previously experienced homelessness, named in honor of former Board Member Howard Amron.

2022

The Webster Avenue Safe Haven opened, providing transitional housing and services for 60 adults.

2023

The Key to Home Initiative, a pilot rapid re-housing program that will provide housing for thirty adults at a time, received HUD funding for a three-year period.

Urban Pathways new supportive housing building mockup

2024

Urban Pathways closed and broke ground on its newest development project, Crossroads, a new building that will feature 79 affordable and supportive studio apartments when completed.

Advocacy May 26, 2022

Urban Pathways Rallies for #JustPay with Housing Coordinator Nilza Phillips as a Featured Speaker

One hundred staff members from Urban Pathways attended the second #JustPay Rally on May 25th, calling on Mayor Adams to fund a 5.4% COLA for essential human services workers.

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Discover your path and make a difference

Working at Urban Pathways means you’ll be building a meaningful career while helping to create a New York where everyone has a place to call home. We’re dedicated to promoting a dynamic and supportive environment that reflects the needs of our diverse workforce. We offer traditional and signature benefits, generous paid time off, and other resources to help promote balance. Search our career paths now to join our mission!

See Our Open Positions
Urban Pathways team rally for Just Pay

2,448 served

  • 979 people served through outreach
  • 2067 people served in drop-in centers
  • 506 people served in safe havens
  • 735 people served through supportive housing

Urban Pathways is committed to serving a diverse community with unique needs and aspirations. Every day, our teams work closely to support the people who come to us for help as they identify their goals and reach for a brighter future.

We’re proud of our long history of building thriving communities in New York City, ensuring that everyone has a place to call home.

Read More About Our Impact

Your contributions make everything possible.

Donate to Urban Pathways today and you’ll be directly helping individuals struggling with or at-risk for homelessness. Your gift provides critical funding for food, housing, clothing, and case management services. Together, we’re building a brighter future for New York City.