Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter | May 2022
Neighborhood News May 2022
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. As Rev. Husson prepares to retire later this year and NCS turns 40, the Rector reflects on some of the reasons for the strong bond between the two Upper East Side Institutions.
“NCS, along with St. James’, wants to nurture the full humanity of every person who both needs or could use the services NCS provides,” she shared. “NCS sees every individual as a full person with humanity and doesn’t define those in need solely by their situation. It’s the difference between referring to ‘the homeless’ and talking about ‘people experiencing homelessness.”

Rev. Husson saw this ethos envisioned by NCS's founders when they opened a drop-in center in 1984. This 24-hour service was one of NCS’s first programs, providing food, clothing, showers, and connection to essential social services for people who needed this support. “The drop-in center was NCS’s way of saying, ‘just come and be and then we’ll figure out how we can be most helpful to you,’” Rev. Husson reflected. “We didn’t require people to know what they needed ahead of time and come in with a referral. We let individuals know that we wanted to get to know them first and then together discover what services they needed. Not all homeless people are alike or need the same services; the same way housed people don’t all need the same things.”
That focus on humanity continues today. Many of the free meal programs that NCS’s founding partners began decades ago continue today, including St. James’ Tuesday lunch program. “Our lunch guests know that NCS is their ally and advocate, and that’s huge. They know that they’re not seen as a problem to be solved but as a person who we are providing help to, and that makes all the difference.”
As Rev. Husson prepares for retirement, we at NCS wish her all the best and thank her for her 25 years of devoted service to the community.

We will honor Rev. Brenda Husson at our Spring Benefit on May 18th, along with community volunteers Mary Jo Pane and Susan Shevell.

You can purchase tickets or buy a journal ad to celebrate the honorees here.
This year's benefit will feature an online silent auction, open to anyone, even if you are not attending. Bidding starts Wednesday, May 11. Check your inbox next Wednesday for an email with more information and a link to start bidding!
We hope you join us in celebrating 40 years of NCS!
Join us Tuesday, June 14 at Common Ground for Celebrating Innovation, hosted by NCS's NextGen Network, a group of young professionals in their 20s and 30s who are committed to NCS’s mission. Connect with other young professionals to support NCS's innovative approaches to addressing homelessness, including our latest major development, housing for college students experiencing homelessness.

The event will feature an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction. Tickets are on sale now!
Barbara Chocky, a long-standing and beloved member of the NCS Board of Directors, was a passionate activist who was committed to social justice, public and community service, and mentoring young professionals. 

Now her legacy of community service and leadership will live on through the Barbara J. Chocky Award for Public Service. This annual $1,000 award will be presented to a high school senior who lives on the Upper East Side and is involved in social justice issues, civic, or political life. 

“It is very fitting to honor Barbara’s deep commitment to social justice by awarding an annual scholarship to a high school senior who demonstrates an ongoing dedication to continue her legacy,” shared City Council Member Gale Brewer, a longtime friend of Barbara’s.  

NCS appreciates Barbara's friends and colleagues who established this scholarship to honor her commitment to social justice and the Upper East Side community.

You can learn more about the award by emailing BarbaraChockyMemorialAward@gmail.com.
Administrative Office 
50 Broadway
Suite 1301 
New York, NY 10004
Phone: (212) 537-5100
Fax: (212) 860-2301
ncs@ncsinc.org
www.ncsinc.org

Board of Directors 
David A. Oliver
President
Wolcott B. Dunham, Jr.
Stephanie W. Guest
Thomas J. Kilkenny
Stuart N. Siegel
Vice Presidents
Susan Stevens
Treasurer
Jan F. Golann
Secretary

Victoria Bert
Anne S. Davidson
Abigail Black Elbaum
Matthew D. Hughes
Oren K. Isacoff
Ann Ross Loeb
Rachael Piltch-Loeb
Marta Radzyminski
Susan Shevell
Stephanie Shuman
Christopher W. Solomon



Ann L. Shalof
Chief Executive Officer
 
NCS Programs
 
Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter provides New Yorkers who are homeless or at risk of homelessness with a home, a community, and access to the services that they need to thrive. We create innovative solutions and engage community partners to provide housing and support that can transform lives.