Volunteer Resources

There are many ways for you to get involved, and all are appreciated. The fastest way to help the homeless young families, seniors and LGBTQ young adults we serve? Make a gift at www.homeward.nyc/donate.

More ways to get involved

Download the one-page flyer with an overview of Homeward NYC

Create a Fundraising Page

Create a personal fundraiser page for Homeward NYC. Learn more and check out the toolkit.

Volunteer Your Time

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.

Donate Items

Option 1: 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.

Option 2: Select items from or inspired by our Amazon Wish List. The list contains items needed year-round for when residents move into our buildings or move out to permanent or more independent housing. These are just example items. Please feel free to select similar moderately-priced items and other items from the list below. Items include cookware, cleaning supplies, shower and bath items, bedding, and toiletries.

Items needed year-round:

  • Air fresheners
  • Baby items like formula, diapers and wipes
  • Cooking utensils, dinner utensils, pots, and pans
  • Disinfectant wipes and sprays
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Mops, brooms and sweepers
  • Other cleaning and sanitary supplies (e.g. bleach, paper towels, tissues, trash bags)
  • 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

Items sometimes needed:

  • Baby items: New and gently used car seats, strollers, sleepers and cribs
  • Books: New and gently used books
  • Clothing: New and gently used clothing
  • Toys: New educational toys for children
  • Furniture: Please note that storage space is limited, and we cannot 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.

For the safety of our residents, please ship all items to 483 West End Avenue, New York, NY 10024. For all other questions, contact volunteer@homeward[DOT]nyc.

Homeward NYC current residents:

  • Homeward Upper West Side: 30 older adults, 54 young mothers and 92 children under age 7 (average age is 25 months)
  • Homeward West Harlem: 30 young adults
  • Homeward Bronx: 30 young adults
  • Homeward Central Harlem: 50 young adults (starting October 2023)

 

Thank you for thinking of us!