We forge partnerships between New York City neighbors to build stronger communities and a more equal and sustainable society
BEM-VINDA
WELCOME
BIENVE
BEM-VINDA
WELCOME
BIENVE
BEM-VINDA
WELCOME
BIENVE

Benvenuto

BIENVENIDOS

स्वागत है

Benvenuto

BIENVENIDOS

स्वागत है

Benvenuto

BIENVENIDOS

स्वागत है

歡迎
chào mừng
Karibu
ਸਵਾਗਤ ਹੈ
歡迎
chào mừng
Karibu
ਸਵਾਗਤ ਹੈ
歡迎
chào mừng
Karibu
ਸਵਾਗਤ ਹੈ

USING OUR COMMUNITY’S STRENGTHS

AND MAKING US ALL STRONGER

University Settlement partners with 40,000 New Yorkers on the Lower East Side and in Brooklyn every year to build on their strengths as they achieve healthy, stable, and remarkable lives. For over 135 years, we’ve collaborated with our neighbors to pioneer highly effective programs that fight poverty and systemic inequality. Established in 1886 as the first Settlement House in the United States, we bring the values of that movement into the 21st century by meeting New Yorkers where they live, listening deeply to all perspectives, engaging with every individual holistically, and creating space for people to organize. Joining together with our neighbors to advocate for justice and equality, we help build community strength. 

 We work with New Yorkers of all ages. We infuse a commitment to civic engagement, equity, and communal action into each of our programs, which include early childhood education, mental health and wellness, benefits assistance and eviction prevention, adult literacy and education, healthy aging, community and recreation centers, performing and visual arts, and youth development.

Diverse Group of Young Adults posing for US Programs

PROGRAMS
FOR ALL

To strengthen our community, we provide a range of services and support for every member of our community, every generation. Childcare. After-school programs. Education for adults, Meals and companionship for seniors. Let us know how we can serve you or your family — and thereby serve our entire neighborhood.

ADULT LITERACY
COMMUNITY CENTERS
ADULT LITERACY
COMMUNITY CENTERS
ADULT LITERACY
COMMUNITY CENTERS
ADULT LITERACY
COMMUNITY CENTERS
ADULT LITERACY
COMMUNITY CENTERS
MENTAL HEALTH + WELLNESS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
MENTAL HEALTH + WELLNESS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
MENTAL HEALTH + WELLNESS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
MENTAL HEALTH + WELLNESS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
MENTAL HEALTH + WELLNESS
EARLY CHILDHOOD
EARLY CHILDHOOD
ARTS
FITNESS
COLLEGE PATHS
AFTER SCHOOL
ARTS
FITNESS
BIENVE
COLLEGE PATHS

SPACE RENTALS
FOR EVERY EVENT

Beautiful, modern, affordable, and conveniently located. We have three versatile spaces to choose from for your meeting, performance and recreation events. We’d love to talk to you about all we have to offer!

Kids in Pool at Houston Street Space Rental

JOIN
OUR MISSION

People like you make our work possible! Whether you’re looking to make a meaningful career move, give back to your community by volunteering, or want to learn more about all the benefits of private or corporate support, there are so many ways to give!

Salamat
THANK YOU
GRACIAS
Salamat
THANK YOU
GRACIAS
Salamat
THANK YOU
GRACIAS
धन्यवाद
GRAZIE
ありがとうございました
धन्यवाद
GRAZIE
ありがとうございました
धन्यवाद
GRAZIE
ありがとうございました
Dziękuję Ci
Danke
Takk skal du ha
Dziękuję Ci
Danke
Takk skal du ha
Dziękuję Ci
Danke
Takk skal du ha

SUBSCRIBE TO
OUR NEWSLETTER

Get regular updates about our programs and special events. We’re committed to protecting your privacy.

IN OUR NEIGHBORS’ OWN WORDS...

Learn how University Settlement creates positive change in our communities – from the neighbors we partner with, plus our colleagues and volunteers.

TESTIMONIAL

“I got behind on my rent, and University Settlement was there for me, helping me take financial literacy classes. Through University Settlement, our community accesses resources that help us live our lives to the fullest.”

Mary, Project Home participant

MEET THE FACES
OF UNIVERSITY SETTLEMENT

“I find space to do my homework, focus, and think clearly at University Settlement. There’s always someone to talk to if I have a problem – I know the people care about me.”

Xavier, Beacon After School participant

“At University Settlement, the staff will help you get the answers to any questions you have, and it doesn’t matter if your child is still there or has moved up. It’s a comfort to me.”

Latoya, mother of children in our Early Childhood programs

NEWS AND EVENTS

Press Release

A note of solidarity with our community

By Melissa Aase, CEO of University Settlement With the results of yesterday’s election established, I’d like to share a message of solidarity with all members ...
Press Release

World Journal: University Settlement’s Unwavering Commitment to Chinatown Communities

The following is translated from Mandarin and may contain errors. To read the original piece in Mandarin, click here. University Neighborhood House: Regretful to leave ...
Press Release

Aspen Institute names University Settlement’s Barbara DiGangi as 2024 Ascend Fellow

Washington, DC, Sept. 4, 2024 – Today, the Aspen Institute announced its 2024 Aspen Institute Ascend Fellows, 22 leaders from across the United States who ...
Press Release

EBT Benefits for Families

Access the online portal in English here.   Acceda al portal en línea en español aquí.   点击此处获取中文版申请表
Press Release

Women Creating Change and University Settlement team up to bring civic engagement programming to US Staff

Women Creating Change (WCC), a nonprofit dedicated to fostering a more just and equitable New York City where all women are civically engaged, today announced ...
Press Release

D.A. Bragg Funds Youth Programs, Including University Settlement, To Prevent & Drive Down Gun Violence For Third Consecutive Summer

JULY 25, 2024 – Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the eight community-based organizations selected to receive $20,000 each from the Manhattan ...
Press Release

University Settlement to host virtual Community Open Space on July 18th at 6PM

University Settlement will be offering an open virtual space on Thursday, July 18th at 6pm for community members to check in with each other following ...
Press Release

University Settlement to host virtual Healing and Connection Circle on July 9th at 6PM

We are joining in grief with the members of our community impacted by the tragic crash at Corlears Park on July 4. Join us for a ...
Press Release

University Settlement appoints Joanna Weiner to its Board of Directors

Joanna Weiner (Senior Counsel, NYC Health + Hospitals) has been elected to University Settlement’s Board of Directors, the nation’s first settlement house announced today. Joanna ...
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