Hub will serve all New Yorkers in need, with a particular focus on the surrounding neighborhoods with a high-density Jewish population; poverty in the Jewish community is persistently high and these neighborhoods represent some of the poorest in New York City
The modern, 13,000-square-foot facility will include a state-of-the-art food pantry with online ordering, access to government benefits and emergency cash assistance, legal and financial counseling services, professional support for vulnerable populations, and career access programs
New York, New York (November 20, 2024)…Today, UJA-Federation of New York opened a new $12.5 million social service Hub in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Hub - the second Hub opened by UJA-Federation in the city – will serve tens of thousands of New Yorkers in need regardless of religious affiliation or cultural background. 6,000 people are expected to be served in its first year alone. The modern facility is located at 1271 60th Street, between Boro Park and Bensonhurst, the areas with the densest concentration of Jewish poverty in New York City and will be managed by Met Council. The Hub’s social service center, online food pantry, and career access programs aim to lift individuals and families out of poverty and toward stability.
The Hub will also serve as a vibrant center for volunteerism and community engagement, offering free and confidential services in English, Russian, Yiddish, Hebrew, and other languages. The services will help thousands of community members get the skills, education, and support they need to make ends meet, secure better-paying jobs, and overcome challenges. UJA-Federation opened its first Hub, The Jack & Shirley Silver Hub run by Commonpoint Queens, in 2020. Since its opening, the Queens Hub has served more than 23,600 individuals.
The Brooklyn Hub’s newly built, two-story facility is 13,600 square feet and features modern amenities, as well as much-needed services, including:
- A 2,000-square-foot food pantry utilizing online ordering, allowing clients to customize their orders based on dietary restrictions and food preferences.
- Social services including screening and enrollment in government benefits; emergency cash assistance; and legal and financial counseling through UJA’s network partner the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG). Specially trained professionals will serve particularly vulnerable populations, including victims of domestic violence, Holocaust survivors, Ukrainian refugees, and more.
- Career readiness and skill-building training programs.
“We know from experience that offering a broad spectrum of culturally sensitive social services under one roof leads to enormous gains in restoring hope and opportunity to clients. The new Brooklyn Hub - located in the densest area of Jewish poverty in New York - will enable countless people to receive essential services with dignity and move from crisis to stability,” said Eric. S. Goldstein, CEO, UJA-Federation of New York.
Poverty within New York City’s Jewish community is persistently high. According to UJA’s 2023 Jewish Community Study, Brooklyn has the highest concentration of Jewish poverty in New York City, with 36% of households reporting as poor or near-poor. In the neighborhoods surrounding the Brooklyn Hub, the situation is even more severe, with nearly 50% of Jewish households earning less than $50,000 annually.
Beyond the Jewish community, the broader population in the Brooklyn Hub area faces similar challenges. Over half (54%) of households are poor or near-poor, with 27% living below the federal poverty line. The need for a comprehensive support system in this area is essential, and the Brooklyn Hub will serve as a vital resource for these vulnerable populations.
The Hub will partner with many community-based organizations, including JCH Bensonhurst and Sephardic Bikur Holim for job placement services, Hebrew Free Loan Society for interest-free loans, and a range of organizations to support the unique needs of victims of domestic violence.
###