Don't Walk By 2025: Serving 298 guests and 650 Meals

Every year, Don't Walk By registration opens in the month of January before our February outreach. Sign up at hfny.org/dwb.

Whether you're new to the city or lived here long enough to be considered a "native" New Yorker, you've likely encountered homelessness in different ways, in various neighborhoods.

Don't Walk By (now in its 18th year!) connected with many of our neighbors living on the street! In total, there were 298 street engagements, 287 guest intakes on site, 231 backpacks (aka. CITYPAKS) distributed, and 650 meals served. 

On Saturday, February 8, The Salvation Army on West 14th hosted our guests and volunteers. Guests received food, medical resources, and more while volunteers received orientation for serving on-site or on the streets. We are so grateful to the 251 volunteers who made a difference and impact this year! Many walked the downtown neighborhood between 24th and Houston (river to river), to find neighbors in need to invite back to The Salvation Army.

How We Connected with Our Homeless Neighbors

For a second year, small groups of volunteers walked the streets a few days before Don't Walk By. Their goal was to distribute flyers and wristbands printed with information about Don't Walk By, as invitations and reminders that hot meals and hospitality would be waiting for them. 

On Saturday, many neighbors lined up outside The Salvation Army early Saturday morning. Street team leaders this year also included experienced volunteers, plus trained staff from other The Salvation Army locations.

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Beyond Don't Walk By

Don't Walk By is more than just a one-day outreach. The hope is that we can provide a path for long-term care and life changes. This year, we had 1 guest enter The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center program. Also, 6 guests received overnight hospitality from The Bowery Mission.

Since 2008, Rescue Alliance (a collaboration of faith-based organizations that includes The Bowery Mission, City Relief, Hope for New York, The Salvation Army) has organized Don't Walk By to help homeless neighbors. 

According to the Coalition for the Homeless, more than 350,000 New Yorkers are estimated to be unhoused in our city. This increasing statistic makes homelessness one of the critical issues in urban communities. As the Rescue Alliance, we dream of a city in which everyone belongs!

Here's a recap of this year's winter outreach:

Photos by Austin Wideman (www.austinwideman.com)