New York City Homelessness

Homelessness is one of New York City's major social challenges. In any given year, some 100,000 New Yorkers experience homelessness for at least one night, and every night of the year, the city's shelters fill with 32,000 people, including 12,000 children. New York has many organizations seeking to fight homelessness, and you can always provide much-needed support.

Common Ground Community: Through a three-pronged strategy of affordable housing, outreach, and prevention, Common Ground seeks to provide permanent residences to the homeless. (☎212-389-9360 www.asylum-welcome.org)
Covenant House New York: Provides food, shelter, health services, counseling, job training, and 24hr. crisis assistance to homeless, abused, or at-risk youth. Locations in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and the Bronx. Wide variety of opportunities. (☎212-613-0300 www.covenanthouseny.org)
Habitat For Humanity New York City: Through volunteer labor and donations, Habitat builds and rehabilitates simple homes with the help of the future home-owners. (☎212-991-4000 www.habitatnyc.org)
Neighborhood Coalition Of Shelter: Offers a variety of services to New York's needy, including housing, 24hr. support, shelter, counseling, and job and education specialists. A variety of volunteer opportunities available, including weekly and as-needed positions. (☎212-537-5100 www.ncsing.org)
Partnership For The Homeless: Dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness through a variety of programs geared toward families, the elderly, those affected by HIV/AIDS, and several other at-risk groups. Volunteers staff shelters throughout the city and assist with Partnership's many programs. (☎212-645-3444 www.partnershipforthehomeless.org)