Josephine McFadden's Legacy
Josephine “Josie” McFadden played an important role in NCS’s history for 35 years, starting from day one.
Josephine “Josie” McFadden played an important role in NCS’s history for 35 years, starting from day one.
NCS provides housing for New Yorkers who need it—but housing is not always enough. Many people who experience homelessness also need other services to achieve independence, which is why NCS offers additional programs to help our clients thrive. This includes Options, our vocational, education and employment program, which opened over twenty-five years ago.
In the early 1980s, when congregations on the Upper East Side came together to form a community response to the growing homelessness epidemic (eventually coalescing into NCS), one of the first actions the group took was to run neighborhood meal programs, with each congregation choosing a different day to feed their neighbors in need. Forty years later, Temple Emanu-El still hosts lunch every Sunday.
Louis Nine House (LNH) is home to 46 young adults who have aged out of foster care or experienced homelessness and mental illness. In addition to housing, the residents have access to supportive services including creative outlets that encourage personal and professional development through music, visual and performance art, and other forms of self-expression.
David Oliver has been President of the NCS Board of Directors since 2008, but he began helping his neighbors long before then.
The Brick Presbyterian Church was a founding partner of NCS, and the church continues to support our work in many ways, including volunteering. Many Brick members of all ages participate in volunteer opportunities—and for the Froelichs, it’s a family affair!
Brinton Parson isn’t your average volunteer. Or Board Member. Or Director of Development.
Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter has served New Yorkers in need for forty years. But we wouldn’t be able to offer the level of service we do without the help of our community partners, some of whom have been with us since the very beginning.
NCS Scholars is led by Mary Jacobs (nee Clark) previously the Senior Case Manager at Louis Nine House (LNH), NCS’s supportive residence for young adults. “I love working with young people who have experienced homelessness,” she shared. “I love helping them break down barriers and helping them reach their goals.”
In October, students began moving into NCS Scholars: LIC, our program that houses CUNY students experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity. Residents have access to on-site supports that address issues associated with homelessness and housing insecurity.
It is always exciting when an NCS client excels at their passion and the entire community can cheer them on. And wow have we had that opportunity with Louis Nine House resident Juan.
Stephanie Guest has been an NCS supporter for almost 30 years. The relationship started when she met with Reverend Hays Rockwell of St. James’ Church to discuss life, and the reverend thought it might be good for Stephanie to volunteer at the St. James’ lunch program during the summer when many ongoing volunteers were away.
Monique Phillips knows her way around Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter.
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.
St. James’ Church was instrumental in NCS’s founding and has remained a dedicated partner for four decades. When Rev. Brenda Husson became the Rector there 25 years ago, she inherited the close relationship NCS and St. James’ share.
“Volunteering at Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”
See what’s new at NCS!
"I could tell right away that I wanted to be connected to NCS. I loved that you not only provided housing, a foundational need, but also empowered each client and provided them with opportunities to succeed.”
The Chalfants were introduced to NCS almost 10 years ago by their friends and long-time NCS supporters, Hugh Fremantle and Susan Stevens who thought correctly that Kathleen and Henry would be moved by NCS’s work. They began making annual contributions and soon committed to monthly donations to support NCS’s clients. But when the pandemic started, they wanted to do more... and we had the perfect role for them!
“Brick Church is my favorite place to hang out,” NCS resident Ronald shared. “Being around the young kids is inspiring because they are really genuine and sincere about what they’re doing— it is uplifting just to be around the young people, it enlivens me.”