Volunteers & Partners: Year in Review

Thank you to all of the volunteers, supporters and partner organizations who helped us serve our young family, senior and LGBTQ young adult residents this past year!

Open Hearts Initiative hosting a “free store” with warm clothing, outside Homeward UWS

The Mom Squad, a volunteer group of Upper West Side moms and friends, provided monthly hot meals for the families and seniors at our mixed-age residence. They and founding member Cheri Fandozzi also donated holiday gift cards for the seniors, and they provided Valentine’s Day cards and treats. Mom Squader Rikki Hepner coordinated a diaper and wipes drive for the families.

The Open Hearts Initiative hosted a clothing drive and pop-up “free store” with coats, boots and warm clothing for the young families and seniors.

The Calhoun School, longtime neighbors and volunteers for Homeward UWS, decorated for the holidays and made Valentine’s Day cards for kids to color and give to their moms.

Calhoun students decorating for the holidays at Homeward UWS

Homeward NYC partners with local social services organizations for behavioral health, substance use treatment referrals, food assistance, health care, and job training. These partnerships help residents build social networks and service networks they retain when they move to more independent housing.

The Children’s Museum of Manhattan hosted tours and programs for the young families from our Upper West Side site. Citymeals on Wheels provided meals for the seniors. The Dorm provided substance use and mental health treatment for residents at our LGBTQ supportive housing. Callen Lorde Community Health Center, EmblemHealth and Ryan Clinic provided health care across sites.

Doctors at the Ready COVID-19 Rapid Response provided onsite COVID testing. GMHC provided safer sex workshops, and classes on abuse prevention and healthy relationships.

MedRite Urgent Care providing COVID-19 vaccinations at Homeward West Harlem

Harlem United provided health care, dental care and job training for Homeward West Harlem residents. MedRite Urgent Care provided COVID vaccinations.

Lighthouse Guild offered vision testing at our mixed-age site. Grace Institute, New York Junior League and Young Lives Manhattan provided mentoring, skills-building and empowerment programs for young mothers. Out My Closet donated clothing. And VASCA offered summer camp opportunities for our senior residents.

You can learn more about volunteering and the most effective ways to donate items at www.homeward.nyc/volunteer.

Thank you, supporters, partners and volunteers!