Church assistance programs New York City.
Struggling residents of the greater New York City area can get help from local churches and other faith based groups. Some of what may be provided includes shelter, hot meals, information on applying for financial aid or maybe a few dollars to pay a bill as well as other aid. There are churches that support the poor, immigrants, and vulnerable in all boroughs. Another focus of churches is on assisting the elderly, disabled and single mothers in NYC too.
No matter where a NYC resident lives (whether it is Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, the Bronx, or Brooklyn) one or more churches will cover that area. They assist the poor, immigrants, homeless (such as The First Presbyterian Church), and indigent among others. No matter the clients race, age, nationality, language, or current religion, these faith based groups may be able to help.
The homeless or residents that have been evicted can turn to a shelter. There are many churches in the city that provide this type of assistance. A leader in the space is First Presbyterian Church (address is 12 W 12th St, New York, NY 10011, call (212) 675-6150). They have accommodations available for the homeless. Clients can have a bed to sleep in, or given a free hot meal, and volunteers provide them information on other support services available, especially in Manhattan.
There are many other shelters available as well, including in Queens, the Bronx and other areas. Most of them rely on volunteers as well as donations from the public to operate. There are staff members who unpack groceries, prepare meals, provide clothes or sleeping bags and meet with the homeless. Urban Pathways organizes many of these homeless shelters, and they work with partners such as Church of the Ascension (5th Ave & W 10th St, New York, NY 10011, phone (212) 254-8620) and others.
Guests of the shelter can access other social services too. They can learn about rent programs to help them move into their own subsidized housing when the time is right. There are also government grants programs in New York City for everything from food to job training. The churches, as well as their staff and volunteers, work to end homelessness in the city. So many approaches are used.
Churches in New York City run soup kitchens as well. Or they have on-site food pantries. The Church of the Holy Apostles (address is 296 9th Ave, New York, NY 10001, call (212) 807-6799) is involved in feeding the poor. They also serve meals to newcomers to the city, such as immigrants or “refugees” from foreign nations. The goal is to always ensure everyone that needs a meal, or a free box of groceries, has a place to go. If more extensive support is needed, a church will refer a client to a free food pantry in New York City.
Housing and financial support from NYC churches
Homelessness can be caused by many issues. Maybe it is a child getting sick and the parent is missing work as the result, or a reduction in income causes the family to fall behind on their rent. Many different emergencies can occur, and locations such as Church of the Blessed Sacrament (location is 152 W 71st St, New York, NY 10023, telephone (212) 877-3111) step forward to offer support.
The fact is a church may not have funding available to help pay a utility bill or rent payment. But they can really step forward by coordinating other forms of emergency support. The entire New York City region is supported by legal aid that assists tenants. There are firms in Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx that advise people that are behind on their rent or mortgage. Staff can represent the individual in court and advice them on their rights.
Many New York City based churches are part of the helpline service as well. The intake number is 888-744-7900. Callers can learn about where to turn to for assistance, whether it is Evangelical Garifuna Church (344 Brook Ave #2S, Bronx, NY 10454 phone (718) 585-7253) or some other location. This helpline is extensive, in that callers can be guided to free day care programs run by local churches, work authorization sites, summer camps, and mental health care. All sorts of information is available.
As noted, churches help people of all faiths. One organization, the Jewish Federation, is also an option. With many synagogues located across New York City, this charity is also an option for the poor. Not only may their deliver meals to senior citizens or offer budgeting counseling and other development services, but the federation also provides no interest loans for paying certain bills, including rent. The faith based group is available for all religions, and find more information on loans from the Jewish Federation as well as the application process.
Churches also advocate for the poor. They touch on health issues, employment discrimination, hunger, and many needs. Thousands of religious groups participate, including All People’s Church Of Apostolic Faith (address 422 Gates Avenue, Brooklyn NY, 11216, call (718) 387-0675). They hold sessions throughout the year, often in partnership with leaders in the community.
Public advocates may drop in to discuss issue. They can offer tips on applying for government grants for paying bills, disability, and refer people to free health care clinics. Classes are held in Spanish, English, and many other languages. These sites advise anyone in poverty, and Bethesda Missionary Baptist (address is 179-09 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432, dial (718) 297-5908) is another site.
Immigration and refugee services are coordinated by churches. New York City attracts people from all over the world. A parish can help acclimate people to the region. Whether they are Spanish speakers, immigrants from Russia or Europe, and any other nation, Catholic Churches as well as others assist.
A main Christian based center for newcomers to the United States is at (80 Maiden Lane, New York, NY 10038, dial 212-419-3700), but the services are for people of all faiths. Immigrants can meet with a counselor to learn about the region and how to get set up. All topics are covered. There will be the following.
- Information on applying for citizenship, and how to pay for it.
- Details on income subsidized housing, rent programs, transitional units, and apartment communities.
- ESL and educational classes.
- Churches organize job training.
- Food, nutrition, and other needs are always addressed.
- Children of immigrants can learn of services for them.
- Find other help from Catholic Charities.
The truly vulnerable can also be supported. Whether the person is disabled, elderly, or a single parent (or faced with another challenge), churches provide help along with guidance. Locations including St Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church at 1891 McGraw Ave, Bronx, NY 10462, (call (718) 822-4535) use volunteers as well as donations to provide support. Every effort is made to keep member of the community safe and secure.
Applying for NYC church assistance programs
They will not require a person to attend mass, but the applicant will generally need to live within the parish community. A homeless person can be given a warm blanket or clothing. The hungry are given free food. Families in poverty that need a medication or need helping keeping their heat on may be given funds to pay a bill. The home-bound can be assigned a volunteer care giver. Vulnerable city residents can often find the support they need.
There are multiple places to call for information on obtaining support from a New York City based church. A hot-line is 888-744-7900, or try the referral service at 311. the applicant will be given information on a parish near them.
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