COVID-19 Stories of Hope (Volume One)

We’re working with our affiliates day in and day out to understand their needs as a result of COVID-19 and to support their work to serve our most vulnerable neighbors. Our affiliates are determined like never before to continue crucial services to New Yorkers in need by offering meals, clothes and other daily essentials.

Once a week on our blog, we’ll share stories from several of our affiliates on the ground: how they’re changing their services in light of COVID-19, the challenges they’re facing as a result of the virus, and how God is moving through their work to bring hope and healing to our city. 

Remember that this is just a snapshot of the work that’s going on—God is doing so much more through our affiliates than we could report here! To keep up with the latest updates, follow us on Instagram or Facebook. 

ALSO: Do you have your own Stories of Hope? Share them with us, including photos and videos! Fill out this form.

THE BOWERY MISSION

The Bowery Mission is continuing to tirelessly serve our neighbors experiencing homelessness— those who don’t have the option to “stay at home” to avoid risk to themselves or others. They are continuing to offer essential residential, shelter and meal programs, as well as other services. And as other city services are being cut or modified, the Bowery is seeing unprecedented demand for their services. Below, see a video of the kinds of lines they are experiencing for one of their food pantry outreaches:

THE OPEN DOOR

The Open Door is finding new and creative ways to serve their Spanish-speaking, immigrant students. Many of their students have experienced job loss as a result of restaurant closures, and The Open Door is working with those who have lost their jobs to identify new placements. They have also fundraised for their community to provide grocery store gift cards to families in need. Hear from Katelyn Naranjano, Director of Development, about their services: 

NEW YORK CITY RELIEF

New York City Relief is continuing their mobile food/resource center to those who are living on the street and have modified their outreaches to follow best practices in social distancing and sanitation. The need on the streets of Manhattan is great. Here, Josiah Haken, VP of Outreach, outlines the challenges that New York City Relief is facing as they bring much-needed food, referrals, and prayer to our homeless neighbors:

THE FATHER’S HEART

The Father’s Heart is continuing its weekly Saturday food service program, but instead of a communal meal for hundreds of guests, they are providing grab-and-go bags to keep with social distancing guidelines. They shared, “We are going to continue to show up for them and in doing so, we know God will show up!” Pastor Marion Hutchins provides a tour of their new system for serving their community while keeping safe: 

GIVE TO OUR RELIEF FUND

Support our affiliates during COVID-19—the Hope for New York Relief Fund will provide critical relief grants and resources to sustain the vital work of our 60+ affiliates. When you give, 100% of your gift will go towards supporting our affiliates.

GIVE TODAY

Photos shared by Corey Hayes/New York City Relief