Biweekly Shoe Transport
After one of our chapter members facilitated a great connection with Tip Top Shoes on W. 72nd St, our Upper West Side, Midtown, and Upper East Side chapters have been working together to regularly transport these shoe donations to a local clothing closet that serves homeless neighbors.
Every other Friday, volunteers pick up shoes from Tip Top Shoes and transport them to the clothing closet on the Upper East Side. It's been a big success so far, and we're so grateful for the generosity of Tip Top Shoes!
We're looking for more folks who are available midday on Fridays to join the rotation of volunteers who help to transport the shoes. Typically only one volunteer is needed each time, so signing up is not committing to picking up shoes every time--it just means we'll keep you on the list and reach out to see if you're available! A car is not required, but you should be prepared to transport a bag of shoes in whatever way works for you.
If you're interested in helping with this, please reach out to Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org and share your phone number, and she'll add you to the list to help out.
Stop the CityFHEPS Rent Hikes
The Adams Administration is proposing a rule change that would increase rent for some low-income families using CityFHEPS vouchers from 30% to 40% of their income. Learn more about this proposed change and why it’s harmful.
Take Action
The city’s Human Resources Administration (HRA) is accepting comments about this proposed rule change until Friday, May 30, 2025. Submit a public comment on the proposed rule online, or email it to: NYCRules@hra.nyc.gov (Subject: “CityFHEPS Rule Changes”). Do you plan to submit a comment? Email Sara at sara@openheartsinitiative.org to let us know! Looking for talking points, or even a template you can copy and paste? Reach out to Sara at sara@openheartsinitiative.org, and we’ll send you talking points/a template!
Sign On to Housing is the Solution Plan
OHI is a supporter of Housing is the Solution: A Plan to End Mass Homelessness in NYC, a set of policy recommendations for the next Mayor, created by homelessness + housing advocates at the Coalition for the Homeless, Community Service Society, and more. We’re trying to help get as many signatures as possible from everyday New Yorkers to show that New Yorkers demand that the next Mayor take bold, proven steps to end mass homelessness! Click the link below to learn more and sign on.
Jewelry Box Painting in Brooklyn!
Join us at a shelter in South-Central Brooklyn for an afternoon of decorating jewelry boxes and getting to know your neighbors! Supplies and snacks will be provided. Specific location upon RSVP. Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org if you’d like to join!
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 Fridays 3:30pm-4:30pm.
If you’re interested in helping out with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
UWS/UES Street Care Kit Assembly and Distribution!
Our Upper East Side and Upper West Side Open Hearts chapters are collaborating to assemble and distribute care kits to neighbors experiencing street homelessness. We are excited to partner with Project 12:31 to get this done! We need volunteers to assemble and distribute kits on the UWS (location upon RSVP).
I want to help assemble and/or distribute
RSVP below if you’re interested in helping with any of the following!
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.
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.
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Norwood (Bronx)
We’re looking for an additional volunteer to help out with weekly English language learning classes at a shelter in the Norwood area of the Bronx, which take place on Tuesdays 11am-12pm. If you can help 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 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 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:
Purchase kit items from our wishlist.
Donate via PayPal to help us fill any gaps.
Have supplies on hand to donate? Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org to coordinate a pickup/drop-off!
Distribute supplies on Thursday 6/5! Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org if you want to join!
Upper West Side Kindness Committee Meeting
Do you live, work, or go to school on the Upper West Side? Join OHI's UWS Kindness Committee meeting. Virtual meeting link provided upon RSVP.
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 to Will at will@openheartsinitiative.org. Location will be shared upon RSVP.
We’ll be talking about:
To Be Announced!
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 or by emailing Jayme at jayme@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.
Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org if you’re interested in helping out! Address will be provided upon RSVP.
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.
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mail caroline@openheartsinitiative.org if you’d like to join!
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 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.
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Norwood (Bronx)
We’re looking for an additional volunteer to help out with weekly English language learning classes at a shelter in the Norwood area of the Bronx, which take place on Tuesdays 11am-12pm. If you can help with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
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 Fridays 3:30pm-4:30pm.
If you’re interested in helping out with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
I'm Homeless and I Vote: Virtual Voter Training
Join us at a virtual voter training organized by our friends at Coalition for the Homeless, VOCAL-NY, Neighbors Together and several other groups on Thursday, May 22 at 6pm.
This training is a great opportunity for folks who are experiencing or have experienced homelessness—and for everyone, regardless of housing status!—to learn more about how to make your voice and vote count in the NYC mayoral election.
The training will cover:
Your voting rights if you are homeless, including information about how to register or update your registration.
What is ranked choice voting?
What the next mayor must do to address mass homelessness.
This is a non-partisan training and all are welcome to attend. No registration necessary—just join using the Zoom link below on May 22 at 6pm—but if you want to attend and would like us to send you a reminder for the event, email Sara at sara@openheartsinitiative.org (or click the RSVP button below).
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 Zoom; Zoom link will be shared 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 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.
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Norwood (Bronx)
We’re looking for an additional volunteer to help out with weekly English language learning classes at a shelter in the Norwood area of the Bronx, which take place on Tuesdays 11am-12pm. If you can help with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
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 Fridays 3:30pm-4:30pm.
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 policy advocacy efforts on the city and state level? Join OHI's member-led Policy and Advocacy Committee for our next meeting.
This meeting will be on Zoom. If you’re already in the Policy/Advocacy Google Group, you’ll receive the Zoom link via email. If you’re not in that Google Group, or not sure if you are, RSVP to Sara (sara@openheartsinitiative.org) to get the Zoom link!
Baby Supplies for Families at a Midtown Shelter
Midtown Open Hearts is distributing baby supplies to families staying in a Midtown shelter! Here’s how to help:
Purchase kit items from our wishlist. (LAST DAY TO PURCHASE: 5/11)
Donate via PayPal to help us fill any gaps. (LAST DAY TO DONATE: 5/12)
Distribute supplies on Tuesday 5/13! Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org if you want to join!
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.
Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org if you’re interested in helping out! Address will be provided 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 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.
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Norwood (Bronx)
We’re looking for an additional volunteer to help out with weekly English language learning classes at a shelter in the Norwood area of the Bronx, which take place on Tuesdays 11am-12pm. If you can help with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
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.
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 or by emailing Jayme at jayme@openheartsinitiative.org.
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.
Mother’s Day Gift Bags for Moms in UWS Shelters!
Upper West Side Open Hearts is putting together gift bags for Mother’s Day gift bags for moms living at several shelters in the neighborhood.
Here’s how to help:
Purchase items from our wishlist. (LAST DAY TO PURCHASE: 5/8)
Donate via PayPal to help us fill any gaps (LAST DAY TO DONATE: 5/9)
Pack and distribute gift bags on the UWS on Saturday 5/10 at 10 AM or 5/12 in the mid-morning. Address will be provided upon RSVP. Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org to sign up!
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 Fridays 3:30pm-4:30pm.
If you’re interested in helping out with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
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 Tuesday, May 6, 7:15pm-8:45pm, 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. RSVP to will@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 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.
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Norwood (Bronx)
We’re looking for an additional volunteer to help out with weekly English language learning classes at a shelter in the Norwood area of the Bronx, which take place on Tuesdays 11am-12pm. If you can help with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
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 to Will at will@openheartsinitiative.org. Location will be shared upon RSVP.
We’ll be talking about:
Recapping our tour of the Trace/s Exhibition Tour
Weighing in on ideas for upcoming group activities
Citywide advocacy: key policy issues to highlight
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 Fridays 3:30pm-4:30pm.
If you’re interested in helping out with this, email Caroline at caroline@openheartsinitiative.org.
Exhibit Tour with OHI’s Homelessness: Learning From Experience Group
NOTE: This event is now happening on May 2nd.
Join OHI’s Homelessness: Learning from Experience group for a special tour of the Trace/s: Family History Research and the Legacy of Slavery in Brooklyn exhibit!
This tour will take place at a museum in Downtown Brooklyn; RSVP is required, and we’ll share exact location details upon RSVP.
Please email Will at will@openheartsinitiative.org if you are interested in attending, or if you have any questions.
Working with Clay in Brooklyn!
Join us at a shelter in South-Central Brooklyn for an afternoon of working with clay and getting to know your neighbors! Supplies and snacks will be provided. Specific location upon RSVP. Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org if you’d like to join!
Upper West Side Kindness Committee Meeting
Do you live, work, or go to school on the Upper West Side? Join OHI's UWS Kindness Committee meeting. Virtual meeting link provided upon RSVP.
Policy and Advocacy Committee Meeting
Interested in getting involved in OHI’s policy advocacy efforts on the city and state level? Join OHI's member-led Policy and Advocacy Committee for our next meeting.
This meeting will be on Zoom. If you’re already in the Policy/Advocacy Google Group, you’ll receive the Zoom link via email. If you’re not in that Google Group, or not sure if you are, RSVP to Sara (sara@openheartsinitiative.org) to get the Zoom link!