COVID-19 has not only highlighted the extreme wealth and racial inequalities in the U.S., but exacerbated it. Specifically, the rates of people experiencing houselessness have skyrocketed. During the recent snow storm, myself and others in the community realized how extreme these conditions can be, and so we have decided to take real action. 

I am beginning an organization called Friend In Me NYC to provide resources to people experiencing houselessness. I want to place a specific emphasis on creating lasting bonds with the people we will be providing these resources to.

We do not often stop to think about their lived experiences, that are just as complex as ours, to wonder about what circumstances brought them to this moment. Through building lasting relationships, I hope we can help return a sense of autonomy to them so they can choose what they need or want and tell us the specific ways in which we can support them. Through acts of radical kindness, I believe we can create lasting change and remove the veil of indifference that capitalism has kept over our eyes. 

The funds you donate will go directly to providing resources to maintain their warmth, safety, health, comfort and passions. Currently, we are planning on keeping people warm for the winter so efforts will be put toward obtaining items such as space blankets/sleeping bags, tents, hand warmers, etc. 

We have larger plans for the future of recurring drives and events to continue fostering these bonds and seeing the humanity in every person who is experiencing houselessness. 

A stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet. By supporting this campaign, you will help us begin meeting them.