Matthieu-Amanda came to Louis Nine House after a childhood marked by instability and found the support to pursue their goals. Now, they are turning their experiences into action through In Gentle Hands, helping others feel safe and supported in their own spaces.
From braving icy streets to deliver meals to hosting hands-on Valentine’s Day and holiday activities, Jan Golann’s dedication continues to make a meaningful impact across NCS programs.
This Valentine’s Day, the Brick Church Women’s Association brought extra excitement to the celebration at the NCS Residence.
As temperatures dropped this winter, NCS’s community partners went above and beyond to help ensure our clients had the essentials they needed to stay warm, healthy, and supported. From welcome kits that help new residents settle into their homes to coats, blankets, and hygiene supplies, these in-kind donations brought comfort and care to neighbors across our programs.
During an especially busy time of year, our Chance for Change members were grateful to pause and reset during a breathwork session led by Cat McCarthy, Founder of Breathe with Cat, who generously volunteered her time to help rejuvenate our community.
This Christmas, the spirit of community was on full display at Louis Nine House and the NCS Residence, where clients were welcomed with festive decor, hearty meals, warm conversation, and the reminder that they are deeply valued.
Thanks to the generosity of NCS Board Member Jan Golann, members at Chance for Change enjoyed a joyful holiday card-making event filled with creativity, connection, and festive cheer. Jan brought an incredible assortment of colorful stationery and craft supplies, giving members the opportunity to express themselves while creating thoughtful holiday cards for someone special in their lives.
Last week, the NCS staff gathered at Fort Greene Park for a well-deserved afternoon together. After putting in such hard work across all of our programs year-round, it was a joy to step away and spend time as a team sharing food, laughter, and a little friendly competition.
On one of the hottest days of the year, NCS staff and volunteers came together in our Chance to Connect space on the Upper East Side to take action by preparing over 300 Cooling Kits for New Yorkers facing the extreme temperatures without access to air conditioning or cool spaces.
When Nellie joined the NCS Scholars program in October 2022—a program that combines housing and supportive services for CUNY students facing homelessness—she was among the first to step into this new opportunity, full of hope, determination, and a vision for a better future.
Less than three years later, that vision has become a remarkable reality.
The Second Mile Project recently went the extra mile for NCS clients by preparing and delivering over 100 thoughtfully assembled “Blessing Bags.” Each bag was filled with essential items like hygiene products, snacks, socks, and other daily comforts—small things that make a big difference for individuals working hard to rebuild their lives.
This Memorial Day, both Louis Nine House and the NCS Residence hosted vibrant celebrations filled with good food, lively music, and the joy of shared community.
NCS was honored to join the Temple Emanu-El Tikkun Olam Committee for an engaging and informative session with members of the congregation. Chief Executive Officer Ann Shalof and Chief Program Officer Robert Yancey shared insights into NCS’s mission, programs, and the urgent challenges facing New Yorkers experiencing homelessness
For A.S., college isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s a chance to build a better future for herself. A junior at City Tech, studying communications with a focus on speech pathology, she has faced challenges that could have derailed her dreams. Instead, she found NCS Scholars, a place she calls a “refuge.”
At NCS, we believe that everyone deserves to feel valued, supported, and part of a caring community—especially on holidays that celebrate love and compassion. Last week, that spirit came to life as clients at all three of our residences celebrated Valentine’s Day with festive crafts, sweet treats, and moments of connection.
Bingo has been a longtime client favorite at the NCS Residence, and this week, longtime regular Bingo host and NCS Board Member, Susan Shevell, came to Chance for Change for an inaugural game day!
The holidays are a time for togetherness, community, and sharing with those around us. This year, NCS program sites celebrated the season by gathering for warm meals, festive moments, and meaningful connection.
We are thrilled to share that Hot Girl Walk, a national fitness campaign led by Mia Lind, chose NCS as one of the nonprofits supported through their inspiring Walk for Good initiative.
Last night, the NCS Residence hosted its annual Talent Showcase, bringing residents together to express their creativity and connect as a community. The event featured personal poetry, holiday and classic songs, famous readings, dancing, and of course, an exciting festive atmosphere.