Tell the NYC Council to End Source of Income Discrimination
Source-of-income discrimination–when landlords, brokers, or owners discriminate against tenants who pay for housing using vouchers or other forms of public assistance–is illegal in New York City. But it remains common: last year, the NYC Commission on Human Rights received more complaints about source-of-income discrimination than about any other type of housing discrimination.
OHI supports the End Source of Income Discrimination Bill Package in the City Council: Introductions 1210, 1211, 1212, 1213, 1214, and 1215. At a time when record numbers of New Yorkers are experiencing homelessness, these bills would be a crucial tool to disincentivize discrimination–and, in doing so, help more folks exit shelters and find stable housing.
We need your help moving these bills forward! Click the button below to access instructions and an email template for contacting your Council Member to ask them to sign onto these bills.
Help Run Knitting Workshops in the Bronx!
We are in need of a few more volunteers to help lead knitting workshops at a supportive housing site in the Bronx! Support neighbors as they learn and create. Some knowledge of knitting or crocheting is preferred!
Sessions are on Monday 10/13 and Monday 10/27, 4pm-5pm.
Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org if you’re interested in helping out! Address will be provided upon RSVP.
QCC Book Drive for Douglaston Shelter
Douglaston Open Hearts is collaborating with the SACNAS Club at Queensborough Community College to organize a free book drive for our neighbors at a local shelter!
We're accepting new and used books in English, Spanish, and French. Donations may be dropped off on the Queensborough Community College campus at the following building locations between Tuesday 10/14 and Monday 11/3:
Science S-245
Humanities H-322
Medical arts M-213
Administration A-214
Library Exhibition Area (near circulation desk)
Questions? Reach out to Jayme at jayme@openheartsinitiative.org.
Coat and boot drive for neighbors in a Bronx men’s shelter!
Bronx Open Hearts is gathering coats and boots for men staying at a south Bronx shelter!
Have coats or boots in good condition on hand to donate? Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org to arrange a drop-off.
You can also donate to the paypal to purchase new coats and boots! All funds will be used to buy fresh items.
Halloween Care Packages for Kids in UWS Shelters!
Upper West Side Open Hearts is putting together Halloween care kits for kids living at several shelters in the neighborhood.
Here’s how to help:
Purchase items from our wishlist. (LAST DAY TO PURCHASE: 10/23)
Donate via PayPal to help us fill any gaps (LAST DAY TO DONATE: 10/23)
Pack gift bags on the UWS on Friday 10/24 at 6 PM. Location provided upon RSVP. Sign up here or using the button below!
Distribute gift bags on the UWS on Tuesday 10/28 at 3:30 PM. Location provided upon RSVP. Sign up here or using the button below!
Have any spare Halloween costumes on hand? We’ll take them! Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org to schedule a drop-off/pickup
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Midtown
Our weekly English language learning classes at a shelter in Midtown, which take place on Mondays & Tuesdays 12pm-1pm, need an additional volunteer who speaks some Spanish or French. If you can help with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
Volunteers Needed for Housing Search Tech Support
Join us on 10/27 from 3-4:30 PM at a library in Midtown East to help neighbors work through the housing search process! A brief training will be provided. Volunteers will work one on one with shelter residents as they navigate making accounts, uploading documents, applying for housing, and finding housing websites! RSVP using the button below (location upon RSVP).
October Discussion: What Does It Mean to Be Working & Homeless?
Join us for our monthly Housing Justice is Racial Justice meeting. This month’s topic: What does it mean to be working and homeless?
This is an informal reading and discussion group for OHI members to learn together about the intersections of housing justice and racial justice and the roots of the housing and homelessness crisis in policies driven by systemic racism. It's a "101" type of space to learn and grow together, so no expertise is required (in fact, it’s geared towards folks who may not know much about these topics!) and is open to all OHI members. Each meeting focuses on a different “text” chosen by an OHI member that will serve as a jumping-off point for discussion. (Want to choose a text and help facilitate a meeting in the future? Reach out to Will at will@openheartsinitiative.org.)
If you're interested in joining, click the button below to RSVP, and we’ll share the Zoom details.
Midtown Open Hearts Chapter Meeting
Do you live, work, or go to school in Manhattan between 14th St and 59th St? Join OHI's Midtown Open Hearts chapter for its monthly meeting, where we'll be discussing ongoing efforts to welcome and support neighbors experiencing homelessness in Midtown. This meeting is on Google Meet; the link will be shared upon RSVP.
Speak Up in Support of the 59th St. Women’s Shelter
Background
The West 59th Street women’s shelter, which you can learn more about here, will offer shelter and services for women experiencing homelessness. It is part of an effort to expand shelter capacity in neighborhoods across the city to meet the needs of our homeless neighbors (and provide dozens of trained clinicians and staff members who will support residents' needs). For the past few years, Upper West Side Open Hearts members have been organizing to support this new shelter site! On Tuesday, October 28th at 6:30 PM, Manhattan Community Board 7 is meeting to review final details of the site. While the site is approved and planned to open, we could use some additional voices in support at this meeting.
Take Action
The #1 need is for folks to provide comments virtually (on Zoom or phone) during the meeting (Tuesday 10/28; meeting begins at 6:30 PM) or in person at the meeting at 250 W 87th Street (Tuesday 10/28; meeting begins at 6:30 PM)
If you aren’t able to join the meeting virtually or in person, you can submit written comments (this can be done any time between now and the meeting on Tuesday 10/28)
Haven’t spoken at a Community Board meeting before? No worries—the board hears from members of the public all the time at hearings like these, and Open Hearts will be there with you every step of the way. We’ll provide suggested talking points, connect you with other folks who will be speaking up, and help you navigate the logistics.
Use the links below to RSVP to show support for the 59th St. shelter. Once you RSVP, we’ll be in touch to share suggested talking points and logistical details!
Homelessness: Learning From Experience Meeting
Our monthly Homelessness: Learning From Experience (HLFE) meetings provide a space for unhoused neighbors to share experiences, build connections, and provide input that informs OHI's work. These meetings are also a great opportunity for folks who are housed to listen and learn about homelessness and build connections with neighbors in a casual setting.
If you're interested in joining us, click the button below to RSVP. Location will be shared upon RSVP.
We’ll be talking about:
To Be Announced!
Questions? Email Will at will@openheartsinitiative.org.
Monthly Community Language Exchange/Intercambio - November!
Please complete the form to RSVP for this event. Location will be provided upon RSVP. The event is on the Upper East Side.
English speakers will practice Spanish, and Spanish speakers will practice English
No prior experience is needed
Toys and games will be provided for the children!
Dinner will be served
The event is free!
Hosted by Upper East Side Open Hearts
For questions or more information, contact caroline@openheartsinitiative.org or (516) 782-4081
Upper East Side Open Hearts Chapter Meeting
Do you live, work, or go to school on the Upper East Side? Join us for our Upper East Side Open Hearts monthly chapter meeting. Zoom link to be shared upon RSVP—RSVP using the button below.
Brooklyn Open Hearts Chapter Meeting
Do you live, work, or go to school in Brooklyn? Join us for our monthly Brooklyn Open Hearts chapter meeting. Virtual meeting link will be shared upon RSVP.
Upper West Side Open Hearts Chapter Meeting
Do you live, work, or go to school on the Upper West Side? Join OHI's next UWS chapter meeting. Virtual meeting link provided upon RSVP.
Drawing and Painting in Brooklyn!
Join us at a shelter in South-Central Brooklyn for an afternoon of painting and getting to know your neighbors! Supplies and snacks will be provided. Specific location upon RSVP. RSVP below if you’d like to join!
Lower Manhattan Open Hearts Meeting
Do you live, work, or go to school in Lower Manhattan? Join us for our monthly Lower Manhattan Open Hearts chapter meeting on Zoom. Zoom link will be shared upon RSVP. RSVP using the button below.
Advocacy Training 201: Advocacy Skills
This fall, OHI is offering 2 mini advocacy training series. This is a small, interactive workshop program, and space is limited. Both series are virtual, totally free, and are open to all Open Hearts members.
In October, we’re offering Advocacy Training 101: Homelessness and Housing Basics. In November, we’re offering Advocacy Training 201: Advocacy Skills! This 2-session training will help you learn and practice different tactics to advocate for housing and shelters in your neighborhood and on a city- and state-wide level.
We encourage folks to join both the November 13 and November 20 sessions in order to get the most out of the training, but if you are unable to do so, you are welcome to join just one! See below for descriptions of the sessions and RSVP info. NOTE: This series is a small, interactive workshop program, and space is limited. If you RSVP initially and are no longer able to attend, no hard feelings--we understand that life happens--but we ask you to cancel your RSVP so we can admit additional participants off the waitlist.
Advocacy Skills Session 1 - Thursday, November 13, 6:30pm-8:30pm on Zoom
Learn how to have difficult conversations about homelessness with other housed neighbors
RSVP here
Advocacy Skills Session 2 - Thursday, November 20, 6:30pm-8:30pm on Zoom
Learn how to speak at Community Board meetings
Learn how to lobby elected officials
RSVP here
Sign up using the buttons below or above! Questions? Email Will at will@openheartsinitiative.org.
Brooklyn Fall Free Store
Our Brooklyn Open Hearts chapter is organizing a fall free store, offering seasonal clothing, hygiene supplies and food pantry items. Everything is free, and all are welcome!
I want to volunteer at the Free Store:
We need LOTS of volunteers on the day of the Free Store, including for shifts before and after the event. Sign up here
I want to donate items to the Free Store:
There are two ways to donate:
Drop off donations: We're looking for new or gently used fall clothing, hygiene supplies, and food pantry items. These items can be dropped off any time in Harlem, or every Sunday from 11-12:30 in Park Slope, Brooklyn. You can also arrange a drop-off in Clinton Hill, East New York, or Manhattan. Sign up to donate here.
Donate to the paypal for hygiene supplies, snacks, and food pantry items here!
Collaging in Midtown!
Join us at a shelter in Midtown East for an evening of collaging and getting to know your neighbors! Supplies and snacks will be provided. Specific location upon RSVP.
RSVP below.
Fall Care Kits for the W. 83rd St Safe Haven
We are excited to put together fall care kits for neighbors living at the W. 83rd St Safe Haven! Help us gather items by purchasing supplies for the kits from our Amazon wish list!
Interested in helping pack or distribute?
Email rfrey@bj.org to sign up!
Bronx Open Hearts Chapter Meeting
Do you live, work, or go to school in the Bronx and want to connect with other neighbors organizing to welcome and support folks experiencing homelessness in our neighborhood? Join Bronx Open Hearts for our next chapter meeting on Google Meet. Google Meet link will be shared upon RSVP.
Monthly Baby Supply Distribution for Families at a Midtown Shelter
Midtown Open Hearts is collecting baby supplies for a monthly distribution to families staying in a Midtown shelter! Here’s how to help:
Distribute supplies on Tuesday 10/21! RSVP Here or using the button below.
Donate via PayPal to help us fill any gaps.
Purchase an item from the wishlist!
Have clothing or hygiene supplies on hand to donate (especially Halloween costumes)? Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org to coordinate a pickup/drop-off!
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Riverdale (Bronx)
We have a great group of volunteers leading weekly English language learning classes at a shelter in the Riverdale area of the Bronx, which take place on Mondays 4:00-5:00 PM & 7:00-8:00 PM as well as Thursdays 4:00-5:00 PM. If you’re interested in helping out with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Midtown
Our weekly English language learning classes at a shelter in Midtown, which take place on Mondays & Tuesdays 12pm-1pm, need an additional volunteer who speaks some Spanish or French. If you can help with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
UWS Street Care Kit Distribution!
Our Upper West Side Open Hearts chapter is distributing care kits to neighbors experiencing street homelessness. We need volunteers to help distribute kits on the UWS (location upon RSVP).
I want to help assemble and/or distribute
RSVP here or using the button below!
VIRTUAL Homelessness: Learning From Experience Meeting
Our monthly Homelessness: Learning From Experience (HLFE) meetings provide a space for unhoused neighbors to share experiences, build connections, and provide input that informs OHI's work. These meetings are also a great opportunity for folks who are housed to listen and learn about homelessness and build connections with neighbors in a casual setting.
This month, we’re hosting an extra HLFE meeting—a virtual presentation and discussion! If you're interested in joining us, click the button below to RSVP. Zoom link will be shared upon RSVP.
Help Lead a gardening workshop in the Bronx!
We are in need of a few more volunteers to help lead a gardening workshop at a supportive housing site in the Bronx! Support neighbors as they clean up their backyard and plant some things for the fall. Some gardening knowledge is helpful, but no need to be an expert!
Email Caroline if you’re interested in helping out at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org! Address will be provided upon RSVP.
Advocacy Training 101: Homelessness and Housing Basics
This fall, OHI is offering 2 mini advocacy training series. This is a small, interactive workshop program, and space is limited. Both series are virtual, totally free, and are open to all Open Hearts members.
In October, we’re offering Advocacy Training 101: Homelessness and Housing Basics, and in November, we’re offering Advocacy Training 201: Advocacy Skills.
Advocacy Training 101 is a 2-session training that will help you build the foundational knowledge about homelessness in NYC to be a more confident advocate for housing and shelters in your neighborhood and on a city- and state-wide level.
We encourage folks to join both the October 14 and October 21 sessions in order to get the most out of the training, but if you are unable to do so, you are welcome to join just one! See below for descriptions of the sessions and RSVP info. NOTE: This series is a small, interactive workshop program, and space is limited. If you RSVP initially and are no longer able to attend, no hard feelings--we understand that life happens--but we ask you to cancel your RSVP so we can admit additional participants off the waitlist.
Homelessness and Housing Basics Session 1 - Tuesday, October 14, 6:30pm-8:30pm on Zoom
The evidence for why homelessness is a housing problem
History of homelessness in NYC
Different types of shelter and housing
RSVP here
Homelessness and Housing Basics Session 2 - Tuesday, October 21, 6:30pm-8:30pm on Zoom
Who has power over homelessness and housing in NYC?
How shelters and supportive housing sites get approved and built
RSVP here
Sign up using the buttons below or above! Questions? Email Will at will@openheartsinitiative.org.
Help Lead Monthly Computer Literacy Workshops in the Bronx
We are in need of a few more volunteers to help lead monthly computer literacy workshops at a supportive housing site in the Bronx! Support neighbors as they learn about internet basics, email/portal access, and how to recognize scams. No special expertise is required, just comfort with computer basics.
These sessions recur on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
RSVP below if you’re interested in helping out! Address will be provided upon RSVP.
Lower Manhattan Open Hearts Meeting
Do you live, work, or go to school in Lower Manhattan? Join us for our monthly Lower Manhattan Open Hearts chapter meeting on Zoom. Zoom link will be shared upon RSVP. RSVP using the button below.
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Riverdale (Bronx)
We have a great group of volunteers leading weekly English language learning classes at a shelter in the Riverdale area of the Bronx, which take place on Mondays 4:00-5:00 PM & 7:00-8:00 PM as well as Thursdays 4:00-5:00 PM. If you’re interested in helping out with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
Policy and Advocacy Committee Meeting
Interested in getting involved in OHI’s city- and state-level policy advocacy efforts to end homelessness in NYC? Join OHI's member-led Policy and Advocacy Committee for our next meeting.
On the agenda:
Taking action together in support of City Council bills to end housing discrimination against people who use rental assistance vouchers
Learning about a recent federal Executive Order about homelessness, and discussing how it might affect NYC
This meeting will be on Zoom. RSVP below to get the Zoom link!
Volunteer Orientation + Refresher
New to volunteering with Open Hearts? Or, did you sign up a while ago, but are still looking for the right way to get plugged in? Join us for our volunteer orientation on Wednesday, October 8, 6:30pm-8pm, in person on the Upper West Side. What to expect at the event:
A short overview about OHI
Meeting other volunteers and hearing from them about their involvement
Making street care kits together
A fun, casual environment with food and snacks—we know it’s around dinner time!
This volunteer welcome event will be held in-person. Location will be shared upon RSVP. Please RSVP by Sunday 9/28.
Brooklyn Open Hearts Chapter Meeting
Do you live, work, or go to school in Brooklyn? Join us for our monthly Brooklyn Open Hearts chapter meeting. Virtual meeting link will be shared upon RSVP.
Upper East Side Open Hearts Chapter Meeting
Do you live, work, or go to school on the Upper East Side? Join us for our Upper East Side Open Hearts monthly chapter meeting. Zoom link to be shared upon RSVP—RSVP using the button below.
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Riverdale (Bronx)
We have a great group of volunteers leading weekly English language learning classes at a shelter in the Riverdale area of the Bronx, which take place on Mondays 4:00-5:00 PM & 7:00-8:00 PM as well as Thursdays 4:00-5:00 PM. If you’re interested in helping out with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Midtown
Our weekly English language learning classes at a shelter in Midtown, which take place on Mondays & Tuesdays 12pm-1pm, need an additional volunteer who speaks some Spanish or French. If you can help with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
Monthly Community Language Exchange/Intercambio - October!
Please complete the form to RSVP for this event. Location will be provided upon RSVP. The event is on the Upper East Side.
English speakers will practice Spanish, and Spanish speakers will practice English
No prior experience is needed
Toys and games will be provided for the children!
Dinner will be served
The event is free!
Hosted by Upper East Side Open Hearts
For questions or more information, contact caroline@openheartsinitiative.org or (516) 782-4081
Homelessness: Learning From Experience Meeting
Our monthly Homelessness: Learning From Experience (HLFE) meetings provide a space for unhoused neighbors to share experiences, build connections, and provide input that informs OHI's work. These meetings are also a great opportunity for folks who are housed to listen and learn about homelessness and build connections with neighbors in a casual setting.
If you're interested in joining us, click the button below to RSVP. Location will be shared upon RSVP.
We’ll be talking about:
To Be Announced!
Questions? Email Will at will@openheartsinitiative.org.
Douglaston Free Store
RSVP below to help out at the next Douglaston Open Hearts Free Store! You’ll be helping to sort and set up donations, helping folks find items they need, and meeting neighbors.
Upper West Side Open Hearts Chapter Meeting
Do you live, work, or go to school on the Upper West Side? Join OHI's next UWS chapter meeting. Virtual meeting link provided upon RSVP.
Can’t make this one? No worries—reach out to Caroline (caroline@openheartsinitiative.org) to make sure you’re on the Upper West Side chapter email list so you can stay in the loop!
Housing Justice is Racial Justice Reading + Discussion Group
Join us for our monthly Housing Justice is Racial Justice meeting!
This is an informal reading and discussion group for OHI members to learn together about the intersections of housing justice and racial justice and the roots of the housing and homelessness crisis in policies driven by systemic racism. It's a "101" type of space to learn and grow together, so no expertise is required (in fact, it’s geared towards folks who may not know much about these topics!) and is open to all OHI members. Each meeting focuses on a different “text” chosen by an OHI member that will serve as a jumping-off point for discussion. (Want to choose a text and help facilitate a meeting in the future? Reach out to Will at will@openheartsinitiative.org.)
This month’s topic: To Be Announced!
If you're interested in joining, click the button below to RSVP, and we’ll share the Zoom details.
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Riverdale (Bronx)
We have a great group of volunteers leading weekly English language learning classes at a shelter in the Riverdale area of the Bronx, which take place on Mondays 4:00-5:00 PM & 7:00-8:00 PM as well as Thursdays 4:00-5:00 PM. If you’re interested in helping out with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
Volunteers Needed for Housing Search Tech Support
Join us on 9/29 from 3-4:30 PM at a library in Midtown East to help neighbors work through the housing search process! A brief training will be provided. Volunteers will work one on one with shelter residents as they navigate making accounts, uploading documents, applying for housing, and finding housing websites! RSVP using the button below (location upon RSVP).
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Midtown
Our weekly English language learning classes at a shelter in Midtown, which take place on Mondays & Tuesdays 12pm-1pm, need an additional volunteer who speaks some Spanish or French. If you can help with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
Collaging in Midtown!
Join us at a shelter in Midtown East for an evening of collaging and getting to know your neighbors! Supplies and snacks will be provided. Specific location upon RSVP.
RSVP below.
Policy and Advocacy Committee Meeting
Interested in getting involved in OHI’s city- and state-level policy advocacy efforts to end homelessness in NYC? Join OHI's member-led Policy and Advocacy Committee for our next meeting.
On the agenda:
Taking action together in support of City Council bills to end housing discrimination against people who use rental assistance vouchers
Learning about a recent federal Executive Order about homelessness, and discussing how it might affect NYC
This meeting will be on Zoom. RSVP below to get the Zoom link!
Monthly Baby Supply Distribution for Families at a Midtown Shelter
Midtown Open Hearts is collecting baby supplies for a monthly distribution to families staying in a Midtown shelter! Here’s how to help:
Distribute supplies on Thursday 9/25! RSVP here.
Donate via PayPal to help us fill any gaps. Please note we are pausing the wishlist this month but will resume in October!
Have supplies on hand to donate? Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org to coordinate a pickup/drop-off! (Note: Pickups and drop-offs will only be available to schedule beginning the week of 9/15.)