Volunteer Resources

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We are grateful for the many schools, houses of worship, companies, and community groups that volunteer their time and expertise. Although we do not offer a formal volunteer program, teaching a class or workshop at our Upper West Side intergenerational site, or our West Harlem, Bronx or Central Harlem LGBTQ sites might be a good fit.

Option 1: The Mom Squad (an UWS group of moms and friends) are longtime volunteers at our Upper West Side site. Cheri Fandozzi, a co-founder of the group, serves as unofficial volunteer coordinator for individuals who are interested in volunteering. Volunteers who assemble their own group, however, work directly with Homeward NYC staff to plan their activity. More here: http://yogacheri.com/mom-squad.html.

Option 2: Use the form at the bottom of this page to let us know you’re interested in volunteering or donating items. Your request will be directed to the appropriate person.

Check to see if your company offers incentives for employees to volunteer at nonprofit organizations. Incentives often include volunteer grants and paid volunteer time off. Use our search tool here.

Use the form at the bottom of this page to let us know you’re interested in volunteering or donating items. Your request will be directed to the appropriate person.

Items needed year-round:

• Air fresheners
• Baby items like formula, diapers and pull-ups, wipes, body wash and lotion, socks
• Cooking utensils, dinner utensils, pots, and pans
• Disinfectant wipes and sprays
• Hand sanitizer
• Mops, brooms and sweepers
• Other cleaning and sanitary supplies (e.g. detergent, bleach, paper towels, sponges, tissues, trash bags)
• Sheets and blankets (twin and full)
• Shelf-stable foods like rice, canned or dried beans, pasta, sauce, and water
• Shower curtains, liners, hooks, and bathmats
• Small appliances like mini-blenders or rice cookers
• Toiletries (e.g. Band Aids, body splash, body wash, Chapstick, comb, deodorant, hairbrush, hand wipes, lotion, mouthwash, nail clippers, packs of tissues, pads and tampons, razors, shampoo, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste)
• A large basket or tote where we’d put the above items when giving to a resident as a kit upon move in to our buildings or move out to permanent or more independent housing

Items sometimes needed:

• Baby items: New and gently used car seats, strollers, sleepers and cribs
• Books: New and gently used books.
  • Books will be used for our onsite libraries and to give to residents for them to keep.
  • Children’s books in English and Spanish, and books featuring Black and Brown characters are particularly appreciated.
  • Popular books are appreciated for all adults.
• Clothing: New and gently used clothing, including nursing and maternity clothing
  • We have a free onsite boutique offering all types of clothing, including children’s clothing and interview clothes for the young mothers.
  • Essential undergarments like bras (sports bras that accommodate multiple sizes are a good option) and spring/summer socks also are needed.
  • We serve mothers wearing all sizes but receive fewer clothing donations in large and plus sizes. These sizes especially are appreciated.
• Toys: New educational toys for children
• Furniture: Please note that storage space is limited, and we accept few furniture donations

Items not accepted:

• We are unable to accept donations of gently used bedding or stuffed animals
• We are unable to accept donations of gently used dishes
• If items aren’t a good match for us, they may be helpful at a partner organization. Try reaching out to UWS Open Hearts Initiative at donations@openheartsinitiative[DOT]org or Out My Closet at info@outmycloset[dot]org.

Holiday item donation:

• For the winter holidays, we’re pretty much set for children’s gifts. We have two long-term partners who fulfill wish lists.
• Some other options:
  • Moms’ toiletry gifts bags for Winter Holidays, Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day
  • Children’s gift bags for Valentine’s Day
  • Mom and child gift where they do an art project together for Winter Holidays, Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day
  • Seniors’ Winter Holidays gift bags with toiletries or small kitchen items like utensils
  • Fun health and wellness gift bags with:
    • Apartment-safe aromatherapy items like small diffusers and oils
    • Spa items like shower steamers, bath bombs, and fragrance-free moisturizers
    • Journal with nice pens or colored pencils

For the safety of our residents, please ship all items to our UWS intergenerational address. For all other questions, contact volunteer@homeward[DOT]nyc.

Please download this in-kind donation form you can complete in advance, print out, and include with your items. It’s not required but we do like to know who’s donated items so that we may thank them.

Homeward NYC current residents:

• Homeward Upper West Side: 40 older adults, 54 young mothers (ages 18 to 27) and 92 children under age 7 (average age is 28 months)
• Homeward West Harlem: 30 young adults (ages 18 to 24 at entry but they don’t age out of housing. Some residents are near 30. This is our oldest LGBTQIA site and skews older.)
• Homeward Bronx: 30 young adults (ages 18 to 24 at entry but they don’t age out of housing. Some residents are near 30.)
• Homeward Central Harlem: 50 young adults (ages 18 to 24 at entry but they don’t age out of housing. This new site skews younger with half of the residents ages 18 to 21.)