As the reality set in that New York would become the latest flashpoint in a global pandemic, I considered what opportunities I had to serve during this time. The Lord provided me several ways to help from a safe distance, including financial gifts and prayer meetings on Zoom. But, having spent many Saturday mornings volunteering at the free breakfast and food pantry at The Father’s Heart, I also felt the unmistakable call to wrestle with whether He was leading me to continue serving there, in person.
Editor's Note: We know not everyone can serve at this time for important reasons, but if you feel called to continue serving our vulnerable populations, please refer to our COVID-19 Urgent Needs Volunteer page. To protect the health and the safety of our affiliates, staff and volunteers, please follow the CDC guidelines. If you have experienced any symptoms, we ask that you not volunteer at this time.
Since 2004, we've partnered with New York City Relief, a mobile bus outreach that serves our homeless neighbors at seven locations throughout New York City (and even two locations in New Jersey).
Each week, New York City Relief organizes eight outreaches, making sure their bus is parked outside specific locations (like The Bowery Mission or The Salvation Army) to offer various essentials such as soup, bread, socks, hygiene kits, and even prayer.