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.
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.
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!
RSVP below if you’re interested in helping out at the next one.
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 hangout and discussion! If you're interested in joining us, click the button below to RSVP. Zoom link will be shared upon RSVP.
Speak Up in Support of Just Home
Background
For the past 3 years, Bronx Open Hearts has supported Just Home, a supportive housing project planned to be built on the Jacobi Hospital campus in Morris Park. Just Home will provide housing to formerly incarcerated New Yorkers with complex medical needs, who would otherwise be at risk of homelessness. The Fortune Society, a nonprofit that works with formerly incarcerated people and runs several supportive housing sites, will provide on-site supportive services for the people living there. The project will also provide affordable, rent-stabilized housing units for other community members.
As we wrote in a 2022 letter, Just Home is a crucial project that will be a valuable resource for the community and the city as a whole. Unfortunately, the project has been met with backlash from some community members.
Take Action
To move forward, Just Home needs to be approved by the New York City Council, and it is going before the Council for a hearing this month. Opponents plan to show up and speak out—and we need folks who want to welcome this project to show the City Council that New Yorkers support it!
There are 3 ways to show your support:
Testify in-person at City Hall (Thursday 9/18, hearing begins at 10am)
Testify virtually (on Zoom or phone) during the hearing (Thursday 9/18, hearing begins at 10am)
If live testimony isn’t possible for you: submit written testimony (this can be done any time between now and the morning of Sunday 9/21)
Haven’t spoken at a City Council hearing before? No worries—the City Council 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 Just Home. Once you RSVP, we’ll be in touch to share suggested talking points and logistical details!
Upper West Side Park Party!
On Saturday, September 20th 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!
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.)
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:
Planning upcoming policy campaigns
This meeting will be on Zoom. RSVP below to get the Zoom link!
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.
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).
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.
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. RSVP to will@openheartsinitiative.org.
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.
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.
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.
Monthly Community Language Exchange/Intercambio - September!
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
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 expiencia 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.
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.
Weekly English Language Learning Workshop at a Shelter in Midtown (Copy)
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.
Beading and Games 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!
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.
Street Care Kits for Neighbors in Park Slope
Brooklyn Open Hearts is putting together street care kits for neighbors experiencing homelessness around park slope!
Here’s how to help:
Purchase kit items from our wishlist
Donate via PayPal to help us fill any gaps.
Volunteer to assemble kits on Monday, 8/25 from 2-4 PM! (Exact location 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 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 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 8/21! RSVP here.
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!
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:
Planning upcoming policy campaigns
This meeting will be on Zoom. RSVP below to get the Zoom link!
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 hangout and discussion! If you're interested in joining us, click the button below to RSVP. Zoom link will be shared upon RSVP.
Midtown Writing Workshop
Join us at a shelter in Midtown East for an afternoon of creative writing 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!
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.
Clothing Kit Assembly in the South Bronx
Bronx Open Hearts will be gathering in the South Bronx on Tuesday 8/19, 6pm-7:30pm to assemble care kits of fresh shirts, underwear, and socks for residents of a nearby shelter. We could use some extra hands on deck to assemble the clothing kits! RSVP below (location 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 Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:00pm-3:00 pm. If you’re interested in helping out 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 Google Meet. Google Meet link will be shared upon RSVP. RSVP using the button below.
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 Assembly and Distribution!
Our Upper West Side Open Hearts chapter is assembling and distributing care kits to neighbors experiencing street homelessness. We need volunteers to assemble and distribute kits on the UWS (location upon RSVP).
I want to help assemble and/or distribute
RSVP using the button below if you’re interested in helping with any of the following!
Distribute Care Kits in Lower Manhattan (NEW DATE!)
Lower Manhattan Open Hearts will be distributing street care kits with basic needs items for unhoused neighbors. Join us to help distribute at the Battery Park City Library on Thursday, August 14th from 3pm-5pm. RSVP below. (RSVP below)
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.
Advocacy Training 201: Advocacy Skills
This summer, OHI is offering 2 mini advocacy training series. Both are virtual, totally free, and are open to all Open Hearts members.
In July, we offered Advocacy Training 101: Homelessness and Housing Basics. In August, 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 August 11 and August 18 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.
Advocacy Skills Session 1 - Monday, August 11, 6pm-8pm on Zoom
Learn how to have difficult conversations about homelessness with other housed neighbors
RSVP here
Advocacy Skills Session 2 - Monday, August 18, 6pm-8pm 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.
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 8/11 and Monday 8/18, 4pm-5pm.
Email caroline@openheartsinitiative.org if you’re interested in helping out on either 8/11 or 8/18! 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 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.
Brooklyn Summer Free Store
Our Brooklyn Open Hearts chapter is organizing a summer free store, offering summer clothing, school supplies and snacks. 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 summer clothing, school supplies, and snacks. 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
Purchase items for donation from the wishlist: Click here to purchase items for the school supplies or snacks to be sent directly to the church. Or donate to the Paypal for the snack table here!
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.
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 Tuesdays 2:00pm-3:00 pm and Thursdays 11am - 12pm. If you’re interested in helping out 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.
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 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.