From Program To Policy

United Way rigorously evaluates each of its initiatives to determine what works and what doesn’t. By partnering with government, we are then able to ensure that best practices are incorporated into public policy that ultimately benefits all New Yorkers.

Our Housing Help Program is a case in point.

The first program of its kind in the nation, the Housing Help Program (HHP) was launched as a three-year pilot in 2005 through a collaboration of United Way, the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS), and the Civil Court of New York.

A departure from traditional homelessness prevention programs, (HHP) was launched as a three-year pilot in 2005 through a collaboration of United Way, the NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS), and the Civil Court of New York.

Results:

During the pilot phase in one neighborhood of the South Bronx 910 of 1,000 families served avoided becoming homeless because they were able to stay in their homes or were re-housed in another location. Because housing families in a shelter is much more expensive, New York City saved $287,376 annually and saw a 64% return on investment.

United Way managed the initial pilot phase of the program from 2005 to 2008. DHS assumed management of the program in 2009 and has expanded HHP to three additional communities to further prevent homelessness throughout the City of New York.