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.

This month I have been focusing on employment and specifically on how simply "getting a job" when you’re experiencing homelessness is rarely as easy as it sounds. Today I want to talk about the meaning of a "living wage" and its profound connection to homelessness

Today, I’d like to tell you about one innovative solution to this problem that some companies are starting to explore and implement to create more equitable access to some kinds of jobs that don’t require specific training or experience: “Open Hiring.”

For the month of September, we turn our focus to an often misunderstood and overlooked aspect of homelessness: employment. The notion that all homeless folks need to do to get off the street or out of a shelter is just work hard and “get a job” and their problems will be solved is deeply ingrained in our society. Unfortunately, it’s rarely that simple.

As the seasons change, we at City Relief are shifting our focus to a pressing issue that connects directly to homelessness: employment. This month, we want to unravel the intricacies of how the current employment system inherently discriminates against unhoused people.

Today, I want to take a moment to discuss a topic that often remains unseen, yet significantly impacts those we serve at City Relief – the profound difficulty of securing employment when you're unhoused.

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.

We often hear about climate change and its devastating impact on our planet—melting ice caps, endangered polar bears, and extreme weather events. But have you ever considered how it affects the people who are the most vulnerable?

Imagine waking up hungry and uncertain where your first and perhaps only meal of the day will come from. This is the harsh reality for many homeless individuals every single day.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As an advocate for homelessness, I wanted to share a powerful story that I recently came across in the New York Times. The article, written by Tracy Kidder, is about a doctor named Jim O'Connell, who has dedicated his life to caring for the homeless population in Boston. What makes his approach unique is his commitment to listening to the stories of the people he serves.