We believe in an equitable New York

Every New Yorker deserves to live with dignity and economic security, but we are far from that reality today. We must reimagine and rebuild the systems that actively harm communities of color and fail to support New Yorkers facing economic insecurity. Equitable access to fundamental rights and opportunities across every facet of our lives will make New York stronger—because everyone will be able to plan their futures here.

We’re here for New Yorkers

We focus on issues that touch every facet of life in New York so that every New Yorker has the power to create change in their own lives—and the life of our city and state. CSS links people to immediate opportunities in higher education, health care coverage, living wage jobs, debt assistance, housing, and legal support while fighting long-term for more equitable systems. New Yorkers turn to us for urgent support, and we also channel their aspirations into policy and advocacy efforts that address the root causes of economic insecurity. All of the work we do in research, services, and advocacy is interconnected. Insights from one area of work inform others, ensuring our approach is both all-encompassing and effective in making New Yorkers’ lives better today and tomorrow.

How we work

We work directly with New Yorkers—community members, activists, volunteers, and more—as well as hundreds of community-based organizations around the city and state. We bring the experience and the vision necessary to lead effective change so that together, we can fight for what matters most to all of us. The services and solutions we advance are informed and inspired by communities most affected by economic and racial injustice, and touch the lives of every New Yorker.

How we win for New York

CSS has been—and will always be—in your corner. We are an unwavering champion for New Yorkers striving for change. Our programs and policy successes pave the way for lasting economic equity—and make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of people. 

• Health care: Our health care access programs have helped more than a million New Yorkers (and counting) enroll in health insurance and navigate the complexities of the health care landscape, improving health and economic security statewide.
   
• Affordable transit: We made public transportation more affordable through our Fair Fares Campaign. Insights from our annual Unheard Third survey catalyzed efforts across the media, City Hall, grassroots rallies, and the MTA to secure half-price MetroCards for New Yorkers striving to pay for fares.
   
• Volunteering: We created the nationally replicated AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP which mobilizes hundreds of volunteers locally who perform hundreds of thousands of hours of service every year. This consistent, collective action has connected older adults to new opportunities and the larger community, and has advanced the critical work of nonprofits across our city and state.
   
• Worker protections: New York workers have paid sick and family leave because of CSS and our partners. Through our research and collaborative efforts, we raised awareness of the widespread lack of paid leave—and the negative impact it has across economic security, public health, and more. We also work toward better wages and working conditions across sectors, from restaurant workers to Instacart shoppers and more, and helped enact crucial legislation protecting New Yorkers against conviction records-based job discrimination.
   
• Financial security: We help New Yorkers achieve and maintain financial security through a wide variety of efforts. Our programs and campaigns
  • support borrowers with education debt
  •  make financial coaching and public benefits more accessible
  • help individuals with conviction histories overcome barriers to employment, housing, and civic participation
  • protect patients from medical debt
     
• Higher education: CSS helped reverse admissions policies at CUNY that had resulted in high numbers of Black and Brown students being pushed into underfunded colleges. Today, students of color have more equitable opportunities to enroll in top colleges, achieve their education goals, and plan their futures.
   
• Housing: We power multifaceted advocacy efforts with tenant leaders to prevent evictions and make housing more affordable. Our research and advocacy have been central to achieving important wins for New York tenants, including a right to free counsel for households facing eviction and a stronger system of rent laws that help keep people in their homes. We also directly support tenants at risk of eviction with emergency rental assistance and equip social service providers with up-to-date, actionable information on affordable housing resources for their clients.
   
• Legal justice: Every year, hundreds of New Yorkers confidently seek jobs, homes, and licenses to practice a trade because of our Next Door Project, which fixes mistakes in their conviction records and helps them understand their rights. When those rights are violated, we take legal action—on behalf of individuals and to change discriminatory policies. We’re co-leading efforts to pass state laws that automatically clear conviction records to counter decades of racially biased policing and prosecution and unlock opportunity for more than 2.3 million New Yorkers.
   
• Democracy: We strengthen democracy in New York. Our mayoral forums and voter guides during election cycles help inform and support voters to make decisions about who best represents their interests. Our legal challenges and advocacy campaigns have helped expand voter eligibility and strengthen political representation in low-income communities. We also focus on elevating their voices and concerns in policy conversations.
   
• Legacy of wins: CSS is one of the nation's first and most impactful charitable organizations. Since our founding in 1843, we've helped generations of New Yorkers live in safe, affordable housing; pioneered the social work and public health fields; and championed America’s first public social welfare programs, including the forerunner to Social Security. Our track record of innovation and our commitment to equity continues to this day.

Join us

An equitable New York is a strong New York. When we act together, we can create the equitable city and state we want. Our collective influence—as New Yorkers, donors, advocates, policymakers, and organizations—can shape a city and state that serves all of us. Join us in powering a more equitable New York.