About URC

 URC is an innovative, community based, non-profit organization that has been providing emergency housing, substance abuse counseling and treatment, vocational education and training, and comprehensive social services in New Jersey for more than a decade. Our mission is to help economically disadvantaged citizens to move towards a self-sufficient life, free of public assistance.

Since 1994, along with Emergency Housing Services, URC has been providing emergency housing for the homeless. URC has emerged as a leader in providing emergency housing and comprehensive social services for the homeless who have a mirage of social issues. In response to the increasing numbers of homeless men and women entering our facility, in 1994 URC began to offer case management, essential transportation, comprehensive supportive social services and other supportive programs to all of its residents.

In 2001 URC acquired the "Training and Development Center", a 50 thousand square foot facility located at 53 Hackensack Avenue Kearny, New Jersey in order to accommodate the overwhelming need to expand our services.

Our programs are individualized to meet the special needs of every client.  To achieve this end, we offer small class sizes that are culturally and linguistically diverse.  The success of our programs depends on maintaining a physical and psychological environment that is conducive to learning.

Many of our clients have concomitant substance abuse/mental health problems.  Substance abusers are two to four times more likely to become homeless.  Substance abuse is an insidious affliction that over time can rob a person of their health, dignity and family.  When it comes to the difficult task of reversing substance abuse, there is no substitute for training and experience.  We employ certified alcohol and drug counselors who provide the education and therapy needed.  Within our Mental Health Department our in-house Psychiatrist and staff of psychologists, counselors and social workers, URC meet's the needs of our clients with individual and group counseling using a multi-disciplinary approach.

Educational services are readily available. Programs consist of Adult Basic Education (ABE); also for many clients in need of a high school diploma we offer GED classes.  To survive in today’s competitive work environment one must have a basic understanding of computers.  Our computer literacy program provides beginner to advanced classes as needed to compete in today’s job market. Our vocational training programs include computer salvage, repair and refurbishing, building maintenance, and facilities management. After successfully completing the first phase of our vocational training, students can qualify for our stipend program. 

The Life Skills Program was developed as part of our continuing commitment to support WorkFirst New Jersey and to meet the unique job related needs of our clients.  Our life skills specialists focus on the needs and concerns of those who have been out of the labor force for an extended time.  They are given tasks and exercises intended to involve them in real life day-to-day activities.  The purpose of these classes is to provide the necessary skills for a successful reentry into the workforce.  Our classes include banking,  money management, basic nutrition, and training in how to obtain and remain in permanent housing. We have been instrumental in supporting our clients’ entrepreneurial efforts to transition from salesman of illegal contraband to vendors of legal products.