As the COVID-19 situation became more and more “real,” Hope for New York continued to refer to our core mission and ask the hard question, “How is God calling us to respond?” For HFNY and our affiliates, the collective response is that we must continually innovate our strategies in order to meet those who are most vulnerable in our City. Across the HFNY affiliate network, organizations are re-imagining how we can most effectively meet the growing need for physical, emotional and spiritual care during this season.
Two weeks ago, in order to mobilize resources for the financial needs of our affiliates, we opened up the Hope for New York Relief Fund. With the incredible generosity of the HFNY community (thank you!), we provided $375,000 in the first round of grant funding to 27 affiliates, and this will support the relief efforts of their network.
In a typical season in NYC, the network of 60+ HFNY affiliates are a lifeline for over one million New Yorkers. Providing food, housing, addiction recovery care, ESL and literacy programs, free legal services and much more, these organizations help provide critical services for those who are hungry, homeless or vulnerable. With the COVID-19 season, the need for HFNY affiliate programs has intensified and grown.
Every week, we will share short updates from our affiliates who are still serving vulnerable and marginalized populations across New York City. Our affiliates will tell us how COVID-19 has impacted their programs and services, and how they're still remaining hopeful about God continuing to work in our city.
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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.
Editor's Note: We know not everyone can serve at this time for important reasons, but if you feel called to continue serving our vulnerable populations, please refer to our COVID-19 Urgent Needs Volunteer page. To protect the health and the safety of our affiliates, staff and volunteers, please follow the CDC guidelines.