The NCS Residence

The NCS Residence, a long-term, supportive housing facility on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, houses 65 individuals who have a history of homelessness. Most live with mental illness, often accompanied by substance use.

Our residents’ health and wellness have been seriously affected by extreme poverty, homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, poor nutrition, smoking, and trauma. Many of our older tenants experience difficulties with activities of daily living such as bathing, feeding, and dressing.

Social workers, case managers, and a part-time psychiatrist, provide case management and mental health counseling. In addition, we provide a full range of services including money management, vocational and educational programs, meals, and recreational activities all aimed at enhancing and supporting residents’ independent living.

Tenants also enjoy common areas for activities and meals, including a kitchen and dining area, TV lounge and rooftop atrium, terrace and garden.

Meet some of the NCS Residence clients:

Featured

Joan Found Community at NCS

Milagro Finds Hope at NCS

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!

Helen Looks After Her Neighbors

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.

How BC Came Home

Three years ago, BC lived in a homeless shelter and struggled with substance abuse. She’d had a challenging path to recovery until she started attending meetings at Chance for Chance, NCS’s outpatient substance use treatment program.

"NCS Saved My Life"

For 40 years, NCS’s staff has worked hard to ensure our clients are safe and healthy. We provide our residents with a home, healthy meals, and substance use disorder counseling— and case management to make sure residents take care of their mental and physical health. For one resident, in particular, this work had an especially big impact.

Donna: Hard Work + Housing + Support = Success

“NCS gave me a chance and enabled me to live independently for the first time in a long time,” shared Donna. “I used to live in a shelter, and I know that my life wouldn’t be improving the way it is if I hadn’t received much needed support from Stephanie at Chance for Change and moved into the NCS Residence. I wouldn’t be where I am now. They helped me to become employable and helped me to gain the confidence I need to move forward in my life. My next goal is to move into my own apartment in Queens to be closer to my son and grandkids and make space at the NCS Residence for someone else who needs it. I am very blessed that life brought me here”

-Donna

Ronald: Coping Mechanisms During Another COVID Wave

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.

Helen's Generosity

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

Patricia Relapsed During the Pandemic. She Wants You To Hear Her Story.

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 and Passover

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.

James Ray

“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…

Corinthian's Path Toward Independence

Corinthian moved into the NCS Residence in 2016, angry and disappointed at the world. Today he has a full time job and is working toward independence.

Patricia's Chance for Change

Chance for Change client and NCS Residence tenant Patricia continues to excel during the pandemic

Yakov's Journey

“I didn’t speak any English when I came here but I learned the language. I moved to New York City around 30 years ago, and I feel so fortunate to live here.” Read more from Yakov...

James Ray

“Since I know a lot of people in book stores, if they have extra books, they give them to me, and I donate them to various places. I like bringing them back to the NCS Residence. It’s wonderful when I see other residents taking them from the library here.” Read more from James Ray...

Louis Nine House