City Relief Announces Josiah Haken as CEO of New York Metro Area Homeless
City Relief Announces Josiah Haken as CEO of New York Metro Area Homeless Outreach Non-Profit
New leadership for mobile outreach providing food and essential services to the largest homeless population in the country.
NEW YORK, NY (February 10, 2022) -- City Relief has
announced the appointment of Josiah Haken as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Haken has been with the nonprofit organization since 2010 and now assumes the top leadership role after serving as the Chief Program Officer since 2019.
Mr. Haken is well-known in the New York Metro area for his ardent support and advocacy in bringing critical resources and services to people who are living on the street and in poverty. In his new role, he will continue to coordinate and expand City Relief’s services, which currently include eight outreaches to the homeless community each week.
The nonprofit’s board of directors made the announcement earlier this week after an extensive national search. City Relief’s Board of Directors Chairman, Ed Herr, commented in making the announcement: “Josiah is the type of leader whose demonstrated passion for the cause and desire to grow will inspire all of us to love our unhoused neighbors as ourselves. We are excited for what the future holds for Josiah and City Relief as we move into the future together.”
Since the beginning of COVID-19 Pandemic in March 2020, Mr. Haken has been coordinating the large-scale response to ensure continuation of critical care services for the unhoused community. City Relief serves as an essential service provider by offering hot meals, clothing, personal protective equipment (PPE), and connections to vital services through in-person and virtual case management.
Mr. Haken will lead the organization at a time of unprecedented increase in the number of homeless individuals and families nationwide. In a statement, Josiah stated, “City Relief is uniquely positioned on the front lines of the many public, private, and faith-based organizations and agencies to deliver help and hope wherever it’s most needed in the shortest amount of time.
Our mobile outreach model of delivery drastically reduces the time it takes to move those experiencing homelessness from ‘street-to-shelter’ with the dignity and love we all deserve. I am deeply honored to be selected as the CEO and will work tirelessly with our amazing staff and volunteers, and partners to create positive change in our communities.”