Mission: To empower individuals, families, and communities, particularly communities of color and other disenfranchised populations, to end cycles of violence, homelessness, poverty, and trauma by increasing safety and resiliency.

About the organization: Founded in 1980, the Urban Resource Institute (URI) provides life-changing services to improve and empower New York City’s vulnerable populations. As the nation’s largest domestic violence shelter and services provider for 40 years, the organization has focused on addressing the underserved needs of vulnerable populations and breaking down barriers preventing those needs from being fulfilled. Through its lifesaving, empowering social services for New Yorkers suffering and recovering from domestic violence and homelessness, it works to assist individuals and families in escaping abuse, safely healing, and gaining the resources needed to live healthy, independent lives. In addition, URI is the only organization in New York City and one of the few nationally that extends these services to pets.

Current programs: For individuals with developmental disabilities, URI provides residential options, including intermediate care facilities and personalized alternatives. The Urban Center for the Developmentally Disabled (UCDD) offers specialized assistance in job counseling, training, placement, and on-site coaching. For survivors of domestic violence, its Domestic Violence Services & Programs prioritizes the safety of survivors, their children, and pets. Furthermore, it actively works to prevent domestic violence through the Abusive Partner Intervention Program (APIP), which aims to reduce reoffending among convicted offenders in specific areas of New York.

URI's Crime Victim Services Program offers counseling, safety planning, and advocacy. The Legal Education Advocacy Program (LEAP) offers comprehensive legal guidance on child custody, visitation, support, divorce, orders of protection, and debt-related issues. Its People and Animals Living Safely (PALS) program is dedicated to creating a secure environment for domestic violence survivors and their pets to heal together. The Economic Empowerment Program (EEP) focuses on establishing financial freedom and stability for families, aiming to break the poverty cycle affecting many clients. In addition, URI's Programs for Homeless Families are designed to provide personalized support to families facing homelessness, aiding in their recovery and pursuit of stability.

Recognizing that violent behavior often emerges between ages 12 and 18, URI has developed the Relationship Abuse Prevention Program. This curriculum, tailored for middle and high school students, is designed to end teen relationship abuse and empower young individuals.

Website: The Urban Resource Institute website offers visitors information about its vision, mission, and values, its board, Friends of URI, and leadership. Visitors can also learn more by viewing the site’s PALS Stories, reading press releases and statements, URI’s media coverage, and newsletters. The site also offers ways to get involved with URI through events like the URI celebration, Blueprint for Change, and DV and Pets summits.

Funding:  The Urban Resource Institute is supported by individuals, foundations, government grants, program services, and investment income.