2025 has been a year of progress and a reminder of what’s possible when we refuse to accept the status quo. At S:US, we believe that homelessness can be eradicated, mental health care can be accessible to all, and every New Yorker, no matter their abilities, deserves the chance to thrive. That vision drives us every single day.
The challenges are immense: a housing crisis, a mental health emergency, and rising costs that push thousands to the edge. But we are not standing still. We are building solutions—safe homes, mental health services, healthy food access, job training, trauma support, and more—because we know that change is possible when we act boldly and together.
This is more than a fight against crises; it is a movement to create a city where dignity and opportunity are available to all. And that movement needs all of us. Thank you to our dedicated staff, insightful Board, and generous funders, supporters, and volunteers for your unwavering commitment. You are the reason hope is alive in New York City.
The following pages show what we’ve achieved and the future we are determined to build. Let’s build something great together.
With gratitude,
Perry Perlmutter
Supportive and Affordable Housing
This year, S:US provided supportive housing for over 4,000 low-income New Yorkers with histories of homelessness, serious mental health challenges, or substance use disorders. At our supportive housing, staff check in on residents regularly to help them reach their individual goals and assist with tasks of daily living, including accessing medical care and finding new jobs.
★ Building New Homes to Address the Homelessness Crisis
In 2025, S:US welcomed residents to hundreds of affordable and supportive apartments across 2 beautiful new buildings.
• 452 apartments at Alafia in East New York, Brooklyn (pictured) as the first phase of a 12-year project that will create a new neighborhood with over 2,600 affordable homes
• 326 apartments at Starhill Phase 1 in Morris Park, the Bronx
Homeless Services
In 2025, S:US provided shelter and support to thousands of New Yorkers at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Our shelters served 3,500 people, including survivors of domestic violence and people living with mental illness. We also helped 2,720 families avoid homelessness through eviction prevention services.
★ Helping Youth in Shelters Heal and Thrive
S:US offered support, healing, and joy for youth in our shelters. This year, 90% of youth in our domestic violence shelters participated in group therapy. And over 85% of families participated in recreational activities throughout the year, including trips to the movies and theme parks and summer activities like pool days and picnics.
Additionally, we organized a back-to-school event that distributed 102 backpacks to youth at shelters in the Bronx.
Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery and Treatment
This year, S:US provided treatment and support to 4,200 low-income New Yorkers living with mental illness and substance use disorders. Those served included people experiencing homelessness and those who have been involved with the justice system. We offered help wherever people are located – in clinics, residential settings, and city streets.
★ Strengthening Mental Health Care for Those who Need it Most
S:US expanded care and improved health outcomes for some of the most at-risk New Yorkers. Our Harlem clinic, which provides mental and physical healthcare as well as substance use treatment, recently expanded to increase mental health services for children and youth. Additionally, our Pathway Home teams, which help people transition from psychiatric hospitals back into the community, achieved a 74% reduction in hospitalizations among the people they serve.
Veterans Services
This year, S:US served 2,000 New York City and Long Island veterans and their families. The veterans we serve are all low-income and most live with mental and physical health challenges or substance use disorders. S:US offers veterans long-term housing, eviction prevention services, and support in finding jobs and accessing healthcare.
★ Empowering Veterans through Housing and Job Opportunities
S:US served the most vulnerable veterans, helping them find safe homes and grow their careers. We reached 714 veteran families across NYC and Long Island with our eviction prevention services, accomplishing 141% of our annual goal, and more than 80% of those families secured long term homes. The Veterans Employment Program expanded through support from government and private funders and now supports over 150 veterans each year with job training, career coaching, and placement.
Developmental Disabilities Services
This year, S:US provided homes and support services to 700 people living with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD). We served those who live in S:US housing, as well as people who live in the community and attend our Day Programs. These programs help people with I/DD make friends and learn life skills.
★ Opening Doors to Independence
S:US helped people with ID/D live more independently. We opened 88 new apartments at our Alafia development in Brooklyn, which provide opportunities for residents to move from group housing into their own apartments.
Beyond Alafia, we introduced adaptive technologies like stove safety controls to help residents stay safe in their homes and expanded our Day Programs.
Urban Farms and Food Security
S:US operates urban farms and gardens at 98 S:US sites and also runs food access programs. This year, 903 people participated in our urban farms, which provide fresh produce and greenspace as well as nutrition education and job opportunities. Our food access programs include five community fridges and a tote delivery program, offering free food to low-income New Yorkers.
★ Growing our Impact to Fight Hunger
As the New York City region’s largest therapeutic horticulture program, we harvested a record 14,000 lbs of food over the season, including vegetables, fruits, herbs, mushrooms, and honey. This is equivalent to about 11,600 meals and represents a 15% increase from our 2024 harvest. We also began a partnership with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, with dozens of pounds of excess food from local restaurants, caterers, and grocery suppliers being delivered to S:US programs each week.
Thank You!
We are grateful to our community of supporters and funders for helping to make 2025 such an impactful year. To help S:US continue our vital mission in 2026, please make a gift today!
Corporate Partners
We are grateful to our Corporate Partners for their generous support. To learn more about how your company can become a Corporate Partner, click here.
