
We forge partnerships between New York City neighbors to advocate for justice and equality, building strong communities.
Benvenuto
BIENVENIDOS
स्वागत हे
Benvenuto
BIENVENIDOS
स्वागत हे
Benvenuto
BIENVENIDOS
स्वागत हे
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.



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.
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!







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!
SUBSCRIBE TO
OUR NEWSLETTER

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
“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
University Settlement’s Rachel Ramos Delivers Testimony at FY24 Executive Budget Hearing
Download a copy of this testimony Testimony of University Settlement before the New York City Council FY24 Executive Budget Hearing Committee on Finance, Chair Justin …
University Settlement’s Pete Graves Delivers Testimony at FY24 Executive Budget Hearing
Download a copy of this testimony FY24 Executive Budget Hearing Committee on Finance, Chair Justin Brannan Submitted by Pete Graves, Education Supervisor, Adult Literacy program, …
University Settlement hires Steven Portericker as Chief Program and Equity Officer
University Settlement has hired Steven Portericker as its new Chief Program and Equity Officer, the first settlement house in the nation announced today. In this …
A Day Without Services, calling for #JustPay, will take place on May 25, 2023
On May 25th, University Settlement is joining human services organizations across NYC to demand wage justice for our workers. For too long, City government has …
University Settlement’s new video: A Place to Grow
Everyone should have a place to grow – a safe community where we can build good lives. University Settlement builds stronger communities in partnership with …
University Settlement was featured on CBS’s weekly series ‘Behind the Red Tape.’
Last night, University Settlement was featured on CBS’s weekly series ‘Behind the Red Tape.’ The segment shines a light on the low salaries paid by …
University Settlement’s Barbara DiGangi delivers testimony to City Council Committee on Mental Health
Download a copy of this testimony Chairs Lee and Schulman and committee members, thank you for the opportunity to submit testimony. My name is Barbara …
University Settlement’s Angel Sacarello speaks at City Hall rally for Cornerstones
University Settlement also submitted Angel’s testimony before the New York City Council’s Committee on Youth Services. Download a copy of Angel’s testimony.
University Settlement will honor Viking Global Foundation at 2023 Gala City Stories: A Place to Grow
University Settlement is pleased to announce that it will honor the Viking Global Foundation, the charitable arm of Viking Global Investors, at its annual gala …