Organization Details:

HELP USA’s mission is to provide housing and the supportive services necessary for the homeless and people in need to become and remain self reliant. Through the development of quality housing with on-site support services, HELP USA provides resources for its residents to become independent and self-sufficient. HELP USA breaks the cycle of dependency by addressing underlying causes in a way that respects the dignity of those we serve. HELP USA helps their clients help themselves.

The comprehensive continuum of services offered at HELP USA residences includes employment training and placement, life skills education, childcare, and domestic violence counseling. As clients build confidence and skills, they take control of their lives and find a new beginning.

Description and/or History:
20 years of experience meeting the challenges

Founded in 1986 and recognized by the United States Congress as a national model, HELP USA is one of the country's largest builders and operators of service-enriched transitional and low-income permanent housing. HELP USA has 19 residential communities in the New York metropolitan area, and was recruited to expand our successful model in Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Buffalo, Newark and Houston. HELP USA continues to pursue every opportunity to provide service-enriched housing to people in need, with a goal of 200 units of new housing each year. Building on 20 years of experience, HELP USA is prepared to meet the evolving challenges facing homeless populations by the 21st century. Consistent with the changing real estate model for urban landscapes, the future is defined with expectations of "mixed use" projects, combining residential, commercial and public space to encourage social interaction. Jobs, services, affordable housing, and family centers to support the family unit will break the cycle of dependency and enable the homeless to reclaim their lives.

Living in a pleasant, safe environment elevates clients' expectations for themselves and motivates them to realize their full potential.

The needs of the populations we serve determine how we expand our services.

HELP USA is a fluid organization. In response to growing homelessness among families with children, HELP USA has developed early childhood education programs, enhanced after school programs and created mentoring programs.

When statistics pointed to domestic violence as a primary cause of homelessness among women, HELP USA opened two confidentially located shelters, established a resource center, and began an academic scholarship program for survivors of domestic abuse and their children.

In response to rising unemployment and underemployment rates, both of which are major causes of homelessness, HELP USA created vocational training and job placement services.

Contact people:

Jill Perine, Volunteer Coordinator, (212) 400-7015, (email) Lawrence Cann, Director of Street Soccer/Advocacy, (email) Alexandra Sirota, Director Of External Communications, (email)

Address:

5 Hanover Square, 17th Flr New York, NY 10004 (See a map)

Directions:

Directions will be provide according to train being used.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: # 2/4/5 Trains Wall Street,   Walk distance (in minutes): 10 mins   Nearest Bus Stop: M 9/15 Bus to Pearl Street, 10 mins minute walk