While many people travel abroad to help those who are hungry or sick, there are many hungry Americans just down the street in the neighborhoods and communities that are all around us in the United States. In New York City alone, it’s estimated that over 60,000 people are homeless and suffer from a lack of food. This statistic doesn’t include the thousands more who live below the poverty line and consistently struggle to put food on the table. If you’re looking to get involved in your neighborhood to help those who are in need, here are a few organizations and programs where you can volunteer, donate, or meet with to help the hungry in NYC. A big thank you to Imperial Movers for their contributions to this post. These Manhattan movers are passionate about making New York City a better place to live by serving the community with excellent moving services and volunteering in their spare time.
The Relief Bus
Operating exclusively on a volunteer basis, The Relief Bus was started by Richard Galloway in 1989. Each day, the bus parks in several locations throughout the city and welcomes anyone who wants to come and help out. At each spot, volunteers will hand out soup, cake, water, and toiletries to those in need, and offer haircuts and counseling sessions as well. If you don’t have time to volunteer where the bus is scheduled to park, you can help aid the program by donating to the cause.
The Family Center
The Family Center addresses the issue of hunger in NYC by assisting those who’ve been through a medical crisis and have significant financial difficulties. When lower income families experience substantial injuries and accumulate large medical bills, it can be hard to pay for everyday items such as groceries. The Family Center helps in this area by providing medical resources, family support services, financial aid, and counseling for those in need. Volunteers can be a part of the center’s buddy program, leadership council, corporate events, or toy and holiday drives.
Volunteering at an organization can help fight hunger in your neighborhood in NYC.
Coalition for the Homeless
The Coalition for the Homeless is one of the country’s oldest and most respected groups helping the needy in NYC. Not only does the program help feed and clothe the city’s homeless population, but it also provides jobs for people who need them as well. With the program’s aid, homeless individuals can earn a decent wage, have a place to stay, and receive regular meals while they get back on their feet. And for those who are interested in volunteering, get ready for an eye-opening experience in feeding and supporting those on the streets.
Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing
If you or one of your loved ones have ever been homeless, you may want to consider volunteering at the Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing. This organization helps to partner a homeless family with a volunteer who has gone through the same struggle to encourage and empower those who have fallen on hard times. With resources and community support, the program aims to pull others out of poverty with the help of those who have been in similar situations. And with mentorships, internships, or advocacy events, the organization has many different ways that you can help your NYC community.
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