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04.06.2026
The Network released the following statement in response to the passing of former Board Member Frederick Shack:
The Supportive Housing Network of New York mourns the passing of Frederick Shack, a longtime leader, colleague, and friend whose contributions to supportive housing and homelessness services are immeasurable. Fred’s decades of service to New York’s supportive housing sector were defined by a rare combination of integrity, vision, and an unwavering commitment to the people we serve. His leadership helped shape not only individual organizations, but the broader systems and policies that have made supportive housing a cornerstone of New York’s response to homelessness.
As a member of the Network’s Board of Directors for 15 years, Fred was a trusted advisor and a steady, principled voice. He helped guide our advocacy efforts, strengthened collaboration across our membership, and pushed all of us to think more strategically and act more boldly. Beyond these formal roles, Fred was also a mentor to many, a teacher to future leaders in the field, and a tireless advocate for policies intended to advance housing justice and strengthen the human services sector.
He was deeply committed to leaving the sector stronger, more diverse, and more equitable. His legacy lives on in the leaders he mentored, the programs he strengthened, including the Readying Emerging Leaders in Supportive Housing program, tenant leadership initiatives, and the #JustPay campaign, and the countless lives he improved through his advocacy and the services of Urban Pathways.
Fred was not only an exceptional leader, but also a respected colleague and friend who approached this work with both rigor and humanity. His passing leaves a significant void in the New York and broader supportive housing community. The Network extends its deepest condolences to Fred’s family, friends, and the entire Urban Pathways community. He will be profoundly missed, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.
