Urban Resource Institute

Urban Resource Institute Empowering individuas, families, and communities to end cycles of domestic violence, homelessness,

Urban Resource Institute (URI) provide comprehensive, holistic, and supportive human services programs that empower individuals and families in the New York metropolitan area to change their lives for the better. With our rich legacy of social service research and expertise, our deep relationships with the diverse communities we serve, and our flexible, innovative approach to program development a

nd service delivery, we are uniquely equipped to provide solutions to the challenges affecting New York’s most vulnerable populations. Our hands-on programs for victims of domestic violence and homelessness are specifically tailored to meet the needs of the individual, while our advocacy and community outreach initiatives advance social change and build wider visibility and support for the issues that have an impact on our clients’ quality of life and New York’s urban communities.

When pets are part of the family, they must be part of the safety plan.New reporting from KBIA News highlights URI’s PAL...
09/03/2026

When pets are part of the family, they must be part of the safety plan.

New reporting from KBIA News highlights URI’s PALS research and a reality survivors with pets know all too well: concern for an animal’s safety can directly shape whether someone seeks shelter.

Our research found that 97% of survivors said keeping their pets with them is an important factor when deciding whether to seek shelter—and half said they would not consider shelter if they could not bring their pets.

For more than a decade, URI’s People and Animals Living Safely (PALS) program has worked to remove that barrier by creating spaces where survivors and their pets can reach safety together.

Pet-inclusive shelter isn’t an extra. For many survivors, it can be the difference between staying in danger and having a safe way out.

Thank you to KBIA News for bringing greater attention to this critical issue.

https://www.kbia.org/kbia-news/2026-09-02/pet-friendly-domestic-violence-shelters-protect-survivors-at-both-ends-of-the-leash?_amp=true

You don't need the perfect words to talk about healthy relationships. Start with curiosity.URI’s Relationship Abuse Prev...
08/31/2026

You don't need the perfect words to talk about healthy relationships. Start with curiosity.

URI’s Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) helps young people develop skills for initiating and navigating conversations like these through workshops, group activities, counseling, and peer engagement.

Save this post and take the first steps towards starting these conversations. For more information on RAPP, visit https://urinyc.org/rapp-and-early-rapp-relationship-abuse-prevention-program/

A colorful, creative, and joyful way to close out a memorable summer together! 🎨On the final day of URI’s Relationship A...
08/28/2026

A colorful, creative, and joyful way to close out a memorable summer together! 🎨

On the final day of URI’s Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP) Summer Program, students and staff came together for a meaningful day of expression, reflection, creativity, and celebration.

Through vision boards and “Personal Algorithms,” students used art to explore the values, experiences, and ideas that shape who they are and who they hope to become. Along with staff, they also filled Jars of Gratitude with personalized affirmations and reflections celebrating their shared experiences and connections.

“Children should never have to pay the ultimate price because the warning signs of violence were overlooked.”Kyra’s Law ...
08/26/2026

“Children should never have to pay the ultimate price because the warning signs of violence were overlooked.”

Kyra’s Law gives New York an opportunity to act on what we have learned. It would strengthen how courts assess risk, improve domestic violence and child abuse training, and help ensure that safety is at the center of custody and visitation decisions.

URI's CEO Nathaniel Fields is proud to join Jennifer Friedman of Sanctuary for Families in making the case for this critical legislation.

The Legislature has unanimously done its part. Now, we urge Governor Kathy Hochul to sign Kyra’s Law and help ensure that when a parent asks for protection—and when a child says they are afraid—we listen.

New York’s children cannot wait.

Survivors should never be treated as suspects for taking steps to protect themselves and their children.A New York appea...
08/25/2026

Survivors should never be treated as suspects for taking steps to protect themselves and their children.

A New York appeals court ruled that the city’s child welfare agency exceeded its authority by continuing to monitor a mother who survived domestic violence and had not been accused of wrongdoing.

This decision matters. When survivors fear that seeking help could lead to surveillance or separation from their children, we risk making it harder—not safer—for them to come forward.

At URI, we believe survivor safety and family safety go hand in hand. Our systems must help families escape violence, stay together whenever safely possible, and heal without penalizing survivors for the harm committed against them.

Protecting your children from violence should never become grounds for treating you as the problem.

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/20/nyregion/child-welfare-acs-monitor-mother.html?unlocked_article_code=1.8FA._uO2.bfT7NXkDkN7Y&smid=url-share

We recently had the opportunity to welcome Council Member Crystal Hudson, Chair of the NYC Council Committee on General ...
08/21/2026

We recently had the opportunity to welcome Council Member Crystal Hudson, Chair of the NYC Council Committee on General Welfare; Chris Gonzalez, Chief Strategy Officer at DSS; and Nichola Hammond, Associate Commissioner of Transitional Family Services at NYC Department of Homeless Services to Magnolia Gardens. CM Hudson is an incredible advocate for the continuum of housing, including emergency stays, permanent, affordable and supportive housing, and URI's PALS program that ensures families and their pets have access to safe housing.

URI is incredibly grateful for CM Hudson's advocacy and thank her for her support of these important issues to New Yorkers and beyond.

Healthy relationships belong on every school-year list. Through URI's Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP), we h...
08/19/2026

Healthy relationships belong on every school-year list. Through URI's Relationship Abuse Prevention Program (RAPP), we help young people recognize unhealthy behaviors, communicate clearly, build confidence, and choose connections with dignity and respect.

Which relationship skill would you add to the list? Add a comment below, then save this post for the school year ahead.

08/18/2026

Every family that walks through our doors teaches us something new.

For our staff, there's nothing quite like watching survivors and their children reconnect with their pets in a space built for healing — safe, calm, and free from fear.

The stories that are shared with us become part of how we show up for the next family and the next survivor who needs a safe place to land.

Domestic violence can happen anywhere — and to anyone.Across neighborhoods, families, relationships, and communities, ab...
08/14/2026

Domestic violence can happen anywhere — and to anyone.

Across neighborhoods, families, relationships, and communities, abuse can exist behind closed doors regardless of status, success, or public image.

Survivors deserve more than a response to crisis. They deserve safety, housing, counseling, advocacy, and the support to rebuild with dignity.

Ending domestic violence takes all of us.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, help is available. 💙

📞 NYC 24-Hour Hope Hotline: 1-800-621-HOPE (4673)
📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
📱 Text START to 88788

Austin gave us plenty to bring home. 💜Team URI was proud to join the National Domestic Violence Hotline's 2026 National ...
08/13/2026

Austin gave us plenty to bring home. 💜

Team URI was proud to join the National Domestic Violence Hotline's 2026 National Conference, “Amplifying Hope: Together Toward Tomorrow.”

From meaningful conversations to powerful sessions on coercive control, prevention, survivor experience, and community engagement, one message stayed with us:

When survivor voices help lead the conversation, we can strengthen services, reach more people, and help create lasting change.

Grateful to everyone who shared, connected, and learned alongside us. We’re returning to New York energized and inspired to keep moving this work forward.

Address

205 East 42nd Street, 13th Floor
New York, NY
10017

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+16465880030

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