volunteering

Nine affiliates gave special shout outs to Hope for New York volunteers for supporting their work and their communities during the pandemic's earliest days.

Many affiliate partners also shared which volunteers made a difference last year, so we asked to share their special shout outs about the volunteers that went the extra mile.

The hardships that the homeless face in my community has had a tight hold on my heart and conscience ever since I was a kid. During college and in my first few years in New York City, I had opportunities to serve or volunteer, but for many reasons, I did not commit to them.

Before I joined the staff at Hope for New York, I was a volunteer. I signed up to serve breakfast on Mondays at St. Paul’s House, a food pantry and soup kitchen in Hell’s Kitchen.

For over 12 years, the Rescue Alliance has been able to positively impact the lives of our friends on the street and provide them opportunities for change. In February 2020, we saw our most successful outreach in history, but this year, our annual winter outreach changed to Pandemic Don't Walk By.

Our incredible virtual volunteers are still finding ways to connect with the isolated Isaiah 58 residents, who are immunocompromised because of HIV/AIDs. 

In addition to Stories of Hope from His Toy Store Reimagined events, here are more stories from our affiliates about how Christmas cheer is being shared in their communities!

We asked young mom Bethany Barnes to share and expand on her experience volunteering at Expect Hope.

Our volunteers continue to connect with virtual opportunities like sending notes of love and encouragement to residents of Isaiah 58. Since June, more volunteers have continued showcasing their creativity by sending handmade letters and art to the immunocompromised residents.

Hope for New York volunteers are used to getting proximate in person with our affiliates, and the communities they serve. But when everything changed during COVID-19, our volunteers found new ways to serve!