UJA Launches Multimillion-Dollar Anti-Poverty Initiative Across New York City Region
In response to the overwhelming need for expanded social services and job training across the New York region, UJA-Federation of New York and several partner organizations have launched a multimillion-dollar anti-poverty initiative intended to help tens of thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers. The effort includes seven locations, or “Hubs,” that feature a suite of essential health and human services for struggling New Yorkers that will operate as a seamless network with program and service referrals based on individual client needs, with virtual appointments and trainings available.
Hubs are designed to capitalize on the expertise of multiple partners in UJA’s network, and the resources and programs at each location vary depending on the needs of the community. Among the offerings available at Hub locations are workplace development and job training, mental health services, financial and legal counseling, emergency cash assistance, and food support and services. UJA partners at Hub locations include New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG), The Jewish Board, and Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty.
The new Hubs, each offering targeted services to meet the needs of their local communities, are located in:
- Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, in partnership with SBH
- Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, in partnership with Edith and Carl Marks Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst
- Lower East Side, Manhattan, in partnership with Educational Alliance
- Elmhurst, Queens, in partnership with Commonpoint Queens
- Cedarhurst, Long Island, in partnership with the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC
- East Hills, Long Island, in partnership with the Sid Jacobson JCC
- White Plains, Westchester, in partnership with Westchester Jewish Community Services
“We are grateful to all of our partner organizations for their tremendous efforts to help open these Hub locations and their invaluable work on behalf of the community,” said Eric S. Goldstein, CEO, UJA-Federation of New York. “Our goal is to not simply provide help meeting basic needs, but fundamentally to move people from crisis to stability, and our partners in this effort are truly the engine behind New York’s sustainable recovery.”
The flagship Hub is a $10 million facility in Queens opened in October 2020. UJA is currently building a major new Hub site in Brooklyn, which is scheduled to open next year.
About the Queens Hub
Opened in October 2020, The Queens Hub is a newly constructed $10-million facility in Elmhurst that will offer thousands of clients a customized package of supports they need to succeed. Operated by Commonpoint Queens, it leverages existing expertise in mental health services and workforce development, providing emotional support and sector-based job training in the areas of healthcare, data management, and retail. New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) will provide essential financial and legal counseling. Hebrew Free Loan Society will offer clients access to interest-free loans, enabling them to invest in their education, meet emergency expenses, start a business, and more. And Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty will supply food for the digital pantry.