thank you for doing this article! i have been struggling with the same questions for so long now. i never know whether i should donate to the UHO or not! this settles that  

Yes, UHO is an awful scam. Many of the people who rent the tables are not homeless, they are rude and aggressive, and block corners and other passageways. "Shame on You" exposed them, but there seems to be no lawn enforcement agency willing to take them on.  

A Brief History of the United Homeless Organization The United Homeless Organization (UHO) was founded in 1986 by homeless New Yorkers living in and around Grand Central Station. UHO is the only viable social service organization run by homeless and previously homeless people in New York City. UHO has been holding weekly staff meetings each Saturday for the last 16 years. The meetings were first held at the Philip Morris Whitney Museum and are now held in public parks. During the late 1980's homelessness in New York and America had reached epidemic proportions. Government and private resources that were earmarked for homeless people were either inadequate or inaccessible to most homeless people. UHO was created to address this disconnect. The realities of life on the street, from addiction to the utter lack of facilities to maintain hygiene, made many homeless people loath to avail themselves to traditional services. Other homeless men and women refused to have any contact with the social service safety net. UHO serves this invisible homeless population by creating a supportive self-help organization that provides invaluable information and services to the hard-core homeless. UHO organizers collect, confirm and disseminate information on food, housing, health care and employment information through its regularly updated Directory for the Homeless. In the 80's and early 90's UHO developed a relationship with the YMCA and successfully placed over 10,000 homeless men and women into emergency housing. This program was urgently needed as the number of single room occupancy units disappeared during the Koch administration. As their program expanded, UHO began its highly successful and controversial subway outreach program. On the subway, UHO organizers would distribute sandwiches and information to homeless people and solicit funds from the public at large. The practice of distributing food and soliciting on the subway was challenged by the MTA. Represented by the New York Civil Liberties Union, UHO fought and ultimately lost this battle. UHO no longer solicits on the train. Because of the volume of their client base and their outspoken advocacy, UHO caught the attention of the Dinkins Administration and was invited to his inauguration. This was historical in that never before had homeless people been invited to an inauguration of a Mayor of major city. UHO was appointed to the Mayor's Homeless Advisory Council and worked closely with the Dinkins Administration through office space provided by the Human Resource Administration. During an evaluation of the partnership, Dinkins Administration found that UHO actually handled more cases that their government equivalent. Unfortunately, this partnership was eliminated by the in coming Guiliani Administration. Today, you can find UHO organizers on street corners throughout Manhattan. UHO Tables are mostly staffed by men and women who are or have been homeless. Our anecdotal feedback indicates that New Yorkers benefit from the opportunity to speak to and help a homeless person directly. Homeless people come to the table to pick up a resources guide or to ask a referral question. For over 20 years, UHO has served and spoken for the homeless assisting more than 500,000 New Yorkers. In a recent Village Voice, UHO president Stephen Riley asked New Yorkers to remember the approximately 75 homeless people who died on September 11, 2001. Because of the population they serve, the political climate in this city and the controversial direct contact methods, UHO has been misunderstood by some in government and the media. Yet with a dedicated staff of homeless and formerly homeless people, and a cadre of committed volunteers, UHO continues to find innovative ways to serve its constituents. UHO recognizes that if you want to help people off the street you have to be on the streets. UHO was founded on the streets and there it will remain until the problem of homelessness is no more. United Homeless Organization Current and Future Programs: Outreach UHO was the first organization in New York City to set up outreach tables at locations throughout New York to help the Homeless help themselves. UHO tables serve the following functions: first, they are a "community center" for the homeless, who know where they can obtain information, referrals, and emergency counseling and support; second, they keep the issue of homelessness in the public consciousness; third, clients who staff the tables learn how to work and to deal with the public; fourth, they encourage the public to make donations of small amounts that defray administrative costs and provide emergency relief to the homeless person who is staffing the table. The tables also serve as a collection and distribution center for food and clothing. Soup Kitchen : For the last 10 years, UHO has operated a food and information distribution program at the Childs Memorial Church of God in Christ at 1763 Amsterdam Avenue in Harlem. The purpose of the food program at Child's Memorial is to provide homeless people with a meal that served in a respectful, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment. Safe House Senior UHO staff has access to a comfortable and secure home environment to shower, cook their own meals, wash clothing and interact with peers. Living on the streets and in the shelter system is an enormous physical and mental challenge, as individuals assume the additional responsibility of helping others, the availability of a safe haven is essential. Publications UHO publishes a resource guide and the occasional newsletter. Printing for UHO is done pro bono by 1199 SEIU. Contrary to the stereotype, it is extremely difficult to live in New York without housing. The route that a homeless person must take on any given day to acquire three meals, a bed, shower and government services requires traversing the city several times. UHO's updated Directory for the Homeless helps the homeless master the bureaucracy and take advantage of the benefits they are entitled to. Future Programs Harm Reduction Acknowledging that current drug users may not immediately end their habits, UHO is incorporating a harm reduction strategy, popular in Europe to help its members with addiction. Homeless Kitchen UHO has obtained a truck outfitted with a food preparation facility. Meals will be planned, made and served by the homeless for contributions from the general public. Recycling UHO will assist its members in identifying income opportunities through recycling. UHO Building UHO would like to consolidate all of its services and staff into one residential/office space.  

Have you ever been homeless in NYC? I doubt it. My name is Josh, and I myself, became homeless in July of 2004.I was in Brooklyn at the time, I couldn't afford my rent and I just filled a backpack and went to times square. I eventually discovered there was only way to get into a shelter, and that was to get a referral from Bellview. I get school bussed to a place called Charles H. Gay men's Shelter. I freaked out because I'm not gay, and there were transvestites hanging outside as we arrived. There were over 1000 men in this one shelter and they weren't staffed to handle the chaos. I once went five days without a bed, because I went to work during the times beds were assigned.I worked for UHO and it is not a scam.The employees are getting permits to legally ask for money.What is wrong with that? If we make 30 dollars, after buying a nice meal and train fare you aren't left with much. Try building a life out of that without going insane. 90 dollars a week doesn't add up too fast. Do me a favor, take 2 weeks of clothes a razor,a toothbrush, and some sandals, stuff em in a backpack and survive the NYC shelter system. Keep in mind I didn't have a friend or family to help me through any of this. I actually got approached to work for a comedy club, while working at a table in front of McDonalds.Within two months I had gotten a place near work. I saw a lot of ugly,scary,things and I don't wish that upon anyone. Next time you see a UHO table, offer them a sandwich,or a coffee, maybe even a metro card, or a cigarette, you don't know what they might be going through  

Josh, give me a freaking break. If someone is really going through tough times they have a legal right to ask others for help. The fact that the UHO people have chosen to participate in a scam tells everyone all they need to know.  

I am very confused now. I work in times square and i give everyday to the UHO. One of the guys o a very cold day not too long ago told me for every $5 bucks they can provide a bed for someone. Now i try to give at least that on my payday. Is this really a scam??? God I hope not!!  

you are giving money to someone less fortunate,my God, you all act like you want an excuse not yo have a heart. The person behind the table is renting the table for 15 dollars, which he/she pays,out of what you give him/her. The rest goes into that persons travel and eating expenses.What is so hard to understand? New York city is full of greedy ass business men who only care about their 401k's. Take a long look at yourselves and think about why 911 happened.  

I think what everyone here is concerned about is that the money they are donating is going to the right place. The problem with quite a few charities out there is that far too much of the donation is taken as pure profit. If you look at UHO as exactly what it is - people renting out a table for $15 to ask for money- then thats fine. But this type of donation is like putting a band aid on a bullet hole. If you are looking to make a long term difference in the homeless situation in NYC there are many other programs in NYC that take donations and volunteers which are run with better long term results. The article mentioned Coalition for the Homeless and The Bowery Mission. City Harvest and NYcares are both wonderful groups to get involved with as well. Many of these programs help homeless individuals and families get back on their feet with meals, shelter as well as job placement. Your donation is much more useful in supporting programs like these than in the short sightedness of UHO.  

I cannot believe that there are people in NYC who STILL haven't figured out the the so-called UHO is a complete and utter scam. The only mystery is why is the NYPD allowing them to get away with it.  

Another group which seems to be doing really interesting and successful outreach to New York's homeless population is Project Renewal. They can be looked up at [www.projectrenewal.org.]  

Hey guys, check out the UHO website. Cool.  

Sorry, the website address is www.united-homeless.org  

I really don't understand the dilemma here. There is a UHO table set up on 56th and 6th avenue right by my work. They ask if you have ever been homelesss and to give money to help the homeless. They look you right in the eye, and people who feel guilty because THEY JUST WALKED BY TWO REAL HOMELESS PEOPLE, reach in their pocket and give them a dollar. Don't be a retard. If you wanna help the homeless, GIVE IT TO A HOMELESS PERSON. WHY GIVE IT TO A MIDDLE MAN? and in this case, the middle man will be ripping you off.  

It's really discouraging for people to read a blog and accept it as gospel. If it was such a scam, how has the organization been able to sustain for close to 25 years. Are we saying that the Attorney General, NYPD and the government give the U.H.O. a "free pass?" Highly unlikely. At some point, people should do their own investiagation. I decided to actually approach a few of the members of the organization and talk to them about "their' life. Some of things that I learned were: Its a first step program. Members ARE homeless and previously homeless. They provide a network for people who have to survive in the streets of New York City. The list goes on. Lastly a figure of $84, 561 was quoted as revenue for 2006. Not certain about you but I find it amazing that an organization can do so much for the homeless community they serve with so little. Im not certain of the breakdown but then again the person who wrote this blog didnt seem to provide a clear understanding other that what he/she thought. I charge this person or anyone else to find out what the President of the Coalition for the Homeless takes home each year. Better yet the President of the Salvation Army (where does that money actually go?) Maybe if the organization's revenue were millions (like the two other organization's just named)than we would accept them like we do all the organizations that we never question.  

The best thing is to give food. Even if its half eaten (but don't give it if you are sick). A REAL homeless person will be gracious and take the food and maybe even eat it. I recently gave an uneaten granola bar that has been sitting in my bag for a few months and the homeless guy ate the granola bar almost immediately. He ate it with a smile on his face.  

I give to UHO every time I pass the table. The guys are homeless. I know where my money goes. As for the president -- he seems to be making about $80,000 minus expenses. Hmmm. He must make less than any CEO since the 19th century. Where's the scam? I don't see it.  

interesting article but I don't think you proved the organization to be a scam at all. The organization sounds grass roots, and doing good work for the community. I think you instead just encouraged me to give! And find out more about them.... sorry if that was not your intent.  

UHO is a sham from the plastic bottles on the tables at Union Square to the incognito Pringle cans on the Subways. I think you should talk to the President Stephen Riley (but don’t forget to drop some change in one of his collection containers so that he can pay his cell phone bill.)  

NYTimes reports that NY Attorney General Cuomo determined UHO is a scam. The organization doesn't provide any social services, and its founders pocket the cash: [cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com]  

It's a franchise basically. You pay a fee, get your supplies and make your money. They yell out to you like you're donating to a cause when you're just donating to them. Why do I have to go to work everyday while they can stand on the corner and and yell at me to put money in their bottle with a UHO sticker on it? Maybe I should rent a UHO table as a side gig. Give to the DOE Fund where people actually work and better their lives so they don't have to beg on a corner.  

I work at 57th street and 5th avenue. There are 5-6 tables within earshot and 3-4 of the tables are staffed with irritating people. Since they have no 'real' affiliation with the person one block away, they are in competition with each other, resulting in rude and aggressive tactics. This is why it is so easy for everyone to believe that the UHO is a scam, whether it is or not. I believe a legitimate organization would address and improve this situation with better communication. But hey, if people feel good about donating, all the power to them.  

Steven Riley may be a crook but he was straight up with his employees. UHO was all about prostituting themselves for the master Pimp, Steve Riley. In a matter of fact the name of the organization isn't UHO, it's U-HO.  

I hate to inform you that UHO is no more. The organization was shut down for good by the New York State AG on Thursday, June 24, 2010. Check out the article at the link below. [cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com]  

i myself worked for uho when i was homeless and they helped me alot more then the coalition or salvation army. sometimes i even got to sleep in a hotel at night when there wer no beds in the womens shelter! instead of the standard bologna sandwhich id sometimes make enough for a hot meal. netherless that table allowed me to meet some really good people who probably never would have approached me if it werent for uho. i now have a job and a home thanks to the good people who donated at my table at 44th street and 7th ave. thanks myra and steve for helping me MARY the bum who used to sleep in columbus circle. because no one else would give me a chance.god bless you all who feel its ok to pass judgement on us homeless people. unless youve been there you dont have a clue as to what any so called charitable organization is doing with the money or how they are doling out the donations so please stfu