NCS x Hot Girl Walk

Tamia has moved out of Louis Nine House (LNH), NCS’s supportive housing program for young adults, and into her own apartment! 

Everyone at the NCS Residence and Options is so excited that five years later Donna is not only still working at Old Navy but has received multiple promotions and rewards for her hard work and dedication!

During the height of the pandemic, Bre worked tirelessly as a nursing assistant. She witnessed firsthand the overwhelming demands placed on nurses and healthcare professionals and the critical need for quality healthcare. Despite the challenges and burnout, Bre wished she could do more—and knew it would require going back to school to become a nurse. In 2022, she embarked on this journey by enrolling at LaGuardia Community College. 

These days, you’ll find Joan at almost every event on the NCS Residence calendar.

She’s friendly, loves to smile, and enjoys bonding with many of the other residents at NCS’s Upper East Side supportive housing program. 

Milagro has lived at the NCS Residence for more than 30 years. And she has been an NCS donor for more than 25 of those years!

Muray has moved out of Louis Nine House, NCS’s supportive housing program for young adults, and into her own apartment!

Tina had a difficult childhood. When she was four years old, her mother passed away, and Tina spent the next decade moving between foster care placements—never feeling like she fully belonged anywhere or was part of a stable family. But Tina knew the way forward included college. So she worked hard, graduated from high school, and when she started college she hoped to find a group of friends that could become her chosen family. Unfortunately, the friends Tina made in college used drugs... and then so did Tina.

“I intend to become a nurse and I know this possibility from just being able to have my own space is gonna make me persevere and get that goal. Attain it. And achieve it. With no doubt in my mind.”
Isabella
Medgar Evers College student and NCS Scholars resident

Last week, Louis Nine House resident TiAsia was featured in Vogue for her work as part of Custom Collaborative, a 14-week intensive design program that teaches low-income and immigrant women about fashion design, the fashion industry, and sustainability! 

TiAsia spends her days honing her design craft and making plans for a career in the fashion industry. But connecting with this passion wasn’t always easy.

Tenants at the NCS Residence often call Helen the mother of the building because of the care she shows her neighbors. Helen frequently checks in on others, takes a leading role at the monthly tenant meetings, and tries to make sure everyone feels special.

Muray, an NCS client, has dreamed of becoming a professional fashion designer for a long time. When NCS’s vocational staff connected her with the Bombas Mentorship Program, she got “feet-on” industry experience like she never had before.

Before Lakia moved into Louis Nine House in 2021, they had lived in four different homeless shelters over the course of three years. They had loved art and being creative since childhood but didn't have the outlet to follow their passion.

Ronald, one of the 65 tenants at the NCS Residence, is known for his smile, upbeat personality, and love of connecting with others. Prior to the pandemic, he was always one of the first to arrive for social events at the Residence. However, while Ron thrives on community, he also quickly recognized the importance of social distancing and putting his health first. During the recent COVID surge, Ron has been challenged to balance his need to stay safe with his need for a social outlet.

“I’m actually getting my life together,” Ciree shared. “I’m stable now, and don’t worry about where I’m sleeping tomorrow. There are so many resources here at NCS. I’m so happy here. I’ve turned my life around.”

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Juan, a young adult living at Louis Nine House, met a major goal with the help of the Options vocational program.

Read about one NCS resident’s sweet act of generosity.

“I am so thankful to Bombas for this program. It gives people like me who didn’t go to design school or don’t have the right experiences on my resume a chance to show our talent and to gain the experience we need to keep going. They are open to giving everyone a chance to succeed.”

Last fall, I relapsed.

I was tired of wearing masks and social distancing. I missed going to church. I didn’t feel good, was in so much pain, but the doctor didn't find anything wrong. I visited my mom, and when I left her apartment, I saw someone selling drugs. I talked myself into believing that a bag of dope would make me feel better, and I got high that night.

Read more to see what happened next.

Avi, a tenant at the NCS Residence for approximately 15 years, loves Passover. It’s his favorite holiday!

He recently explained why he relates to the Passover story on a personal level.

“I’m going to remember this building for many reasons but I’ll mostly remember it for making me the woman I am today. I became independent while I was here.” Read more from Juamesha...

Last month, The Supportive Housing Network of New York named Louis Nine House (LNH) resident Tyler Cruell the Young Adult Outstanding Tenant of the Year and celebrated him at their virtual gala. Meet Tyler and see why he was chosen!

“I am so grateful to live in the NCS Residence. It provides me a sense of stability. I had been working in antique books but then in 2009 I got very sick and couldn’t work.” Read more from James Ray…