This January - Don't forget the Homeless

41,000 people are in NYC Shelters.

17,000 are children!

It was just a couple of weeks ago, during my morning commute, I watched a stooped over elderly lady layered in a grim assortment of coats balance herself on the moving train. She seemed to have wedged herself between several torn suitcases and a large black garbage bag. Her severely hunched back forcing her to face the floor, she lifted a harmonica to her lips and played a shaky - yet very sweet - rendition of "Silent Night." I had not been in the mood for the holidays and something about that moment melted my heart. As I went into my handbag for a dollar, I heard the sound of a drum.

Past the woman, coming towards me, playing a handheld bongo, was a very young man with unruly hair and a green army coat. He told the strap-hangers that he was just wanting to earn some money for food. As he walked by me, I saw the details of him more clearly - tattered pants and worn shoes - his face - while dirty - showed all the signs of youth. He couldn't have been older than fifteen; a puppy snuggling in his backpack - his faithful travel companion.  My heart skipped a beat.

Neither this elderly woman nor this young boy should be homeless and begging for a meal, yet this is the reality, on any given night in America, anywhere from 700,000 to 2 million citizens (according to estimates of the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty) are homeless.

The holiday season, no doubt, brings out the philanthropic side of so many; as giving increases, families volunteer at local soup kitchens, gently used coats are dropped off at shelters and many feel motivated to 'give back.'

Now the holiday's are over and we are all getting back to our routines. Oh sure, the holiday guilt always pushes us to improve. So here we are - it's January - and we are trying to fulfill our New Year's resolutions; hitting the gym, eating less chocolate, vowing not to swear anymore, being nicer to our spouse and so on. But how many of us are still considering the homeless? How many of us are still considering volunteering at the soup kitchen or finding other ways to make a difference?

THIS JANUARY - DON'T FORGET THE HOMELESS

41,000 people are in NYC Shelters right now!

17,000 are children!

Learn more at Coalition for the Homeless

HOW TO HELP IN NYC!

EAST HARLEM - YORKVILLE COMMON FOOD PANTRY
Without the dedication and tireless enthusiasm of our volunteers, YCP could not provide its services. Volunteers are an integral part of our organization, and their contributions are invaluable and much appreciated.

From helping with food deliveries to helping serve food at one of our meal programs, YCP offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. We also host a variety of group events for schools, companies, religious organizations, etc. In addition to on-site opportunities, there are also a variety of off-site activities.

http://ycp.org/volunteer.html

ALL FIVE BOROUGHS - ONE NIGHT - Hope 2012 - The NYC Street Survey
On January 30, 2012, the NYC Department of Homeless Services will conduct the Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE). We need thousands of volunteers to canvass parks, subways, and other public spaces to count the number of people living unsheltered in the city. Just one night of your time will help us collect vital information that is used by outreach teams to help homeless people leave the streets for a better life.

https://a071-hope.nyc.gov/hope/welcome.aspx

ALL FIVE BOROUGHS - New York Cares

Keep your resolution to volunteer this year! Sign up for projects in NYC here.
http://www.newyorkcares.org/