Hudson Guild

Hudson Guild provides comprehensive, bedrock social services and education programs to support more than 14,000 low-income and working poor individuals in Chelsea and on the West Side of Manhattan, many living in public and supportive housing. In the shadow of the High Line and contiguous to luxury condominiums, hotels, and art galleries, economically challenged families look to the Guild for quality and affordable services and resources which would be otherwise inaccessible.

Through early childhood education, after-school programs, and teen services that provide a structured learning and enrichment environment, Hudson Guild helps young people stay in school, graduate, and plot a path for success in college and/or a career. The Guild also provides case management and counseling to community members who struggle with mental health issues. Our programs for seniors offer a wealth of wellness and education classes, workshops, and individual case management assistance. The Guild also engages the community in a wide range of artistic performances, exhibits, and art education opportunities. Together, these activities enable individuals to reach their full potential and strengthen our shared community.

Hudson Guild is a well established organization in New York City. In 1895, The Hudson Guild was founded as a settlement house to serve the needs of the growing immigrant population in the then industrial neighborhood of Chelsea. Some of our earlier innovations include, opening one of the first free kindergartens in New York City in 1897; creating Chelsea Park, the first free recreational space in the area in 1907; opening the first Summer Play School in the City in 1917; founding the Elliott Neighbors Club for Senior Citizens in 1947; opening one of the City’s first community mental health clinics in 1948; and advocating for anti-poverty programs in 1966, including Neighborhood Youth Corps, VISTA and Head Start.

Today Hudson Guild is an anchor institution in a vibrant multicultural community, which has expanded to 17 service locations in Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, and Lincoln Square. Our mission is to create and sustain a strong, effective community that acknowledges and responds to the potential, achievements, and interdependence of its diverse members. Rooted in and primarily focused on the Chelsea neighborhood, we seek to empower all individuals and families to achieve their highest potential, while maintaining a priority focus on those in economic need.

Hudson Guild provides comprehensive, bedrock social services and education programs to support more than 14,000 low-income and working poor individuals in Chelsea and on the West Side of Manhattan, many living in public and supportive housing. In the shadow of the High Line, and contiguous to luxury condominiums, hotels, and art galleries, economically challenged families look to the Guild for quality and affordable services and resources which would be otherwise inaccessible.

Through early childhood education, after-school programs, and teen services that provide a structured learning and enrichment environment, Hudson Guild helps young people stay in school, graduate, and plot a path for success in college and/or a career. The Guild also provides case management and counseling to community members who struggle with mental health issues. Our programs for seniors offer a wealth of wellness and education classes, workshops, and individual case management assistance. The Guild also engages the community in a wide range of artistic performances, exhibits, and art education opportunities. Together, these activities enable individuals to reach their full potential and strengthen our shared community.

Hudson Guild’s mission is to create and sustain a strong, effective community that acknowledges and responds to the potential, achievements and interdependence of its diverse members. Rooted in and primarily focused on the Chelsea neighborhood, we seek to empower all individuals and families to achieve their highest potential, while maintaining a priority focus on those in economic need.

Now after about 125 years, Hudson Guild is a multi-service community organization offering programming for individuals and families in all life cycles who work, live, or go to school in the Chelsea neighborhood. Our programming helps support, enrich and empower our community members. Our program areas include, Adult Services, Performing and Visual Arts, Community Building, Early Childhood Education, Mental Health Services, and Youth Development and Education. Through these services, over 14,000 individuals are benefited annually, in 17 locations around the city. We provide after school services and summer camp for more than 500 school-aged children. Our at-risk teens receive 4,400 hours of tutoring and college prep. On-site and in 3 public schools in New York City, individuals and families receive 8,000 hours of counselling sessions. More than 250 kids in the age group between 2-4 years, receive high quality Pre-K programs. We provide 41,000 nutritious meals and 3,600 enrichment activities for seniors. A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is opened to all in the neighborhood and a low-cost food program is opened for those in need. Our Visual and Performing Arts programs are enjoyed by more than 2,500 in the community in two galleries and a theater at main location.

We have established a good relationship with corporate community in our neighborhood. These industry leaders in tech, fashion, finance, donate financial or in-kin support for our programs. Often, they participate in our volunteer program, and work with the seniors, kids or kindergartners. Also, these corporations sponsor internships for our teens. Taking advantage of our tax exempt status, some vendors and corporations provide a portion of their sales from a special product or service to Hudson Guild.