Bulletin Board
The place where you can stay up to date with the latest events, stories, news, and opportunities for our City Relief community.
The Power and Impact of Our Words
Words matter. I have seen firsthand how our guests at City Relief can often be described with language that would dehumanize and demoralize any of us. Let’s face it, the words we use to talk about people inevitably end up impacting the way we engage with people.
Lifelines Beyond Shelters - Access to Basic Necessities
As we wrap up our focus this month on Access to Food & Basic Necessities, I'd like to delve deeper into the role of shelters in addressing homelessness and where they sometimes fall short.
A Vital Aspect of Dignity - Access to Basic Hygiene
Living on the streets, in shelters, or on subways presents a vast array of challenges that most of us never have to think about. In today's newsletter, I want to shed some light on one of the daily hurdles faced by many of our friends at City Relief - accessing basic hygiene facilities.
Taking Action for Housing Access: Advocating for Zoning Reform
As we conclude our July series on housing access, I want to spotlight the critical role that zoning laws play in determining the availability of affordable housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. Together, we can take action and advocate for zoning reforms that prioritize affordable housing options.
The Impossible Equation: Housing Access for Hardworking Individuals
As we continue our series on shelter and housing access throughout July, I want to discuss the impossible equation that many hardworking individuals face: the soaring cost of housing versus stagnant wages. It feels like this is one of the major issues in America these days. I personally want to invite you to you to join us in challenging the stereotypes and advocating for affordable housing solutions that align with people's incomes.
Navigating the Path to Housing
Have you ever wondered what it's like for someone experiencing homelessness who wants to find a home and rebuild their life? In this month's newsletter series, we will dive into the complexities of housing access and the challenges faced by individuals seeking to leave the streets behind.
Unlocking Dignity: A Closer Look at Homelessness and Shelter Conditions
Throughout July, I’ll be shedding light on the critical issue of housing access. Join me as I pull back the curtain and explore the hidden reality of homelessness within our city's shelter system.
Advocating for Better Health Care for Our Unhoused Neighbors
As we conclude our series on healthcare in June, I want to address the challenges that individuals experiencing homelessness face when it comes to accessing vital health care services. It is crucial that we understand these obstacles and work together to advocate for a more equitable and compassionate health care system for people on the margins.
Why Dental Care Matters for the Unhoused
As we continue the month of June, our focus remains on the healthcare challenges faced by the unhoused community. Today, I want to address an often-overlooked issue: dental and oral health among people experiencing homelessness.
Empowering Health Education and Preventive Care for the Homeless
Throughout the month of June, I'd like to focus on the critical topics of homelessness and having access to healthcare. In my years of experience working with City Relief I've seen time and time again how not having the right information or preventative care has disastrous effects. I can't stress enough the importance of health education and preventive care initiatives specifically tailored for the unhoused community.
Helping Eddie Find a New Home
Today we'd like to share a story from one of our community partners, Goddard Riverside. Goddard Riverside's housing units provide safe, affordable homes for some of New York City's most vulnerable populations, including older adults, formerly homeless people, and those with mental illness. Residents receive on-site services ranging from benefits assistance to mental health care to social activities that help ensure that individuals stay connected to their community.
The Power of Human Connection.
In a major city like NYC, it’s surprisingly easy to feel lonely. These days, it seems like connecting with others is difficult everywhere. In fact, studies show that 60% of Americans experience loneliness and isolation, and the problem is only getting worse. A 2018 study found that loneliness levels have been increasing over the past few decades.
How much do you know about mental illness?
Did you know that May is Mental Health Awareness Month? I don't know of anyone who hasn't been directly impacted by mental health challenges at some point in their lives. Whether it is you yourself, or someone you love, the reality is that at least one in five adults in the United States struggles with some form of mental illness.
The Hidden Struggles of Unhoused Women
Did you know that almost one-third of the unhoused population are women?
The Enemy of the Good
There’s a phrase I like to use, “Don’t let the great be the enemy of the good.” It means that sometimes a not ideal solution is better than no solution while you’re looking for the perfect solution.
Numbers Don’t Tell the Whole Story
I wanted to take a moment to talk about a number that has been weighing heavily on my heart. Did you know that there are over a half million people in America without a place to call home? 582,462 moms, dads, children, friends and loved ones to be exact. That’s larger than the population of Sacramento, CA.
Understanding the Hurdles
A few weeks ago I was made painfully aware on Instagram of just how many people still don’t know that many people experiencing homelessness are already employed. We posted a video, and the comment section lit up with people sharing many common myths about homelessness.
The Myth of Choice
Too many of us believe that homelessness is simply the result of an individual’s poor decision-making. This widespread assumption inevitably leads to the feeling that it is their choice, instead of acknowledging and fixing the complex and systemic issues that cause and maintain homelessness. I like to say that if someone chose homelessness, what were the other choices they had?
Did Addiction Come First?
There is a common misconception that drug addiction and alcohol abuse lead to homelessness. However, studies have found that in many cases, it is actually the other way around. Homelessness often precedes addiction, and substance abuse can be a powerful coping mechanism. It is crucial to understand the complexities of addiction and homelessness to help individuals overcome these challenges and find a new life on the other side.
A Job Doesn’t Always Make Ends Meet
As someone who cares deeply about our community, I want to dispel myths about homelessness and unemployment. Did you know that 53% of people living in homeless shelters are employed either full or part-time? That's right, despite their hard work, they are still unable to afford housing due to a crippling combination of low wages and a lack of affordable housing.