Homelessness in NYC is at an all-time high, accounting for 14% of the nation’s homeless population.
Nearly 71,000 people are living in NYC shelters nightly, including 22,511 children, up 82% from 10 years ago.
That does not include the 5,000-plus men and women living on the street.
Since March 2018, Backpacks For The Street, a 501(c)3 public charity, has given out more than 3,320 backpacks, 17,000 feminine hygiene products, 9,000 Mylar blankets and over 1,500 meals to the homeless and hungry.
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We first met Jonathan in August 2018, shortly after he’d found himself homeless on the streets. FOX 5 / Fox5NY.com featured him in its profile of us and the work we do. He spoke about how our efforts gave him hope.
It was a tough go for Jonathan for a while. He struggled hard trying to survive life.
Today Jonathan is going on five months sober, starting his own business and looking happier and healthier than we’ve seen him in a long time.
THIS makes our hearts full, and what is what it’s all about.
“Homeless and HUMILIATED.” That’s what Kenny’s sign said when we met him. It broke my heart at first because NO ONE should ever feel humiliated because of their circumstances.
Now a BFTS client, we spent some time getting to know this smart and charming young man, who was simply down on his luck, to let him there’s no shame in needing help or being homeless.
The look on his face of both surprise and gratitude is everything.
To see others like Jonathan and Kenny, and more of the work we do, visit our:
Instagram @backpacksforthestreet, and follow us on Facebook @backpacksforthestreet!
