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.
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.
Men’s clothing fundraiser for new neighbors in the Bronx!
Bronx Open Hearts is raising money to provide fresh clothing for men living in a new shelter in the South Bronx. All funds will be used to purchase new shirts, socks, and undergarments!
Use the button below to donate!
Sign Up for OHI’s Summer Advocacy Training
This summer, OHI will be offering 2 mini advocacy training series. Both are virtual, totally free, and are open to all Open Hearts members. Folks are welcome to participate in one or both of these series! See below for descriptions of the two training series.
Advocacy Training 101: Homelessness and Housing Basics
2 evening sessions on Zoom, 2 hours each
Topics covered:
The evidence for why homelessness is a housing problem
History of homelessness in NYC
Different types of shelter and housing
Who has power over homelessness and housing in NYC?
How shelters and supportive housing sites get approved and built
This training might be a good fit for you if: You don't know a lot about homelessness, and you want to build that foundational knowledge in order to be a more confident advocate.
Advocacy Training 201: Advocacy Skills
2 evening sessions on Zoom, 2 hours each
Topics covered:
Having difficult conversations about homelessness with other housed neighbors
Speaking up at Community Board meetings
Lobbying elected officials
This training might be a good fit for you if: You already have some knowledge about homelessness, and you want to learn and practice different tactics to advocate for housing and shelters in your neighborhood and for city- and state-level policies to reduce homelessness.
Fill out the interest form below if you’re interested in participating. This will help us select dates and times for the series, and we’ll be in touch when those are finalized!
Upper West Side Park Party!
On Saturday, June 21st from 2-4PM, our Upper West Side chapter will be hosting an event in Riverside Park for local families with children in shelter. There will be sports, games, and snacks! Exact location will be provided upon RSVP.
Join us—and bring your kids!—for some fun community-building.
Volunteer: We’re looking for volunteers--for both before the event and at the event itself! To sign up to volunteer, fill out this form!
Donate: Help us purchase supplies for the park party by donating through our PayPal!
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.
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:
Mid-year check-in about our 2025 policy priorities
Planning upcoming policy campaigns
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:
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 6/26! Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org if you want to join!
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!
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. Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org if you’d like to join!
Monthly Community Language Exchange/Intercambio - June!
Complete este formulario para confirmar su asistencia al evento. Te enviaramos la ubicacción después. El evento es en el vecindario Upper East Side.
Anglohablantes van a practicar el español, y hispanohablantes van a practical el inglés
No experiencia del pasado es necesaria
Juegos para los ñinos
Comeremos la cena juntos
¡El evento es gratis!
Alojado por Upper East Side Open Hearts (Corazones Abiertos).
Con preguntas o para obtener más información, puedes contactor caroline@openheartsinitiative.org o (516) 782-4081.
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
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: continuing our discussion about supportive housing!
If you're interested in joining, click the button below to let us know, or email Will at will@openheartsinitiative.org, and we’ll share the Zoom details.
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.
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.
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 “lunch and learn” hangout and discussion! If you're interested in joining us, click the button below to RSVP. Zoom link will be shared upon RSVP.
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 Zoom. Zoom link will be shared upon RSVP.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Women's Summer Clothing Drive
Lower Manhattan Open Hearts is requesting new or used summer clothing and accessories (in good condition) for a downtown women’s shelter. We are accepting t-shirts, shorts, skirts, shoes, sunglasses, fashion jewelry and more! All styles and sizes appreciated. If you have anything you would like to donate, please contact Jayme@openheartsinitiative.org for drop-off location and hours.
Donations accepted until Friday, June 13.
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 Sara at sara@openheartsinitiative.org. Location will be shared upon RSVP.
We’ll be talking about:
To Be Announced!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
E
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.
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!
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!