LOCAL SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAMS HELP PROVIDE DESPERATELY NEEDED STIMULUS TO LOWER INCOME NEW YORKERS
FROM: CENTER FOR URBAN COMMUNITY SERVICES www.cucs.org Rubenstein Public Relations Telephone: 212-843-8073 Contact: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE LOCAL SOCIAL SERVICES PROGRAMS HELP PROVIDE DESPERATELY NEEDED STIMULUS TO LOWER INCOME NEW YORKERS Worsening Economy and Unemployment Has Dramatically Increased Traffic at Single Stop Drop-In Centers New York, April 1, 2009 –During these recessionary times, Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) Single Stop programs are helping low income families get by through the provision of free financial counseling and a range of other services at its upper Manhattan locations in Central Harlem and East Harlem. The sites have seen a dramatic rise in the number of families coming to them for assistance and last year secured more than $3 million in entitlements for 1,200 low income families. The Single Stops are staffed on-site with financial advisors and entitlement specialists who are available to assist individuals in developing budgets, obtaining benefits and resolving credit issues — all keys to living a more financially stable life. The Single Stop services go beyond financial literacy in providing confidential assistance in benefits coverage, legal aid, tax preparation and short term counseling and social services referrals. “For low-income families who are struggling, the services we provide at the Single Stop centers can lead to a significant increase in monthly income and a resolution to credit, housing and legal problems,” commented Tony Hannigan, Executive Director for the Center for Urban Community Services. “In many cases our services allow these families to remain stably housed and keep food on their tables.” About Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS) Headquartered In East Harlem in New York City, CUCS is one of the nation’s largest providers of social services in supportive housing as well as a comprehensive human services agency that implements new practices, actively shares its knowledge and assists in shaping local, state and national strategies so that persons who are homeless, low-income, living with mental illness or have other special needs can live successfully in the community. For further information about Center for Urban Community Services’ Single Stop program or to speak with CUCS staff or management please call (212) 843-8073 or email: amazur@rubensteinpr.com.
