Project Renewal's Response to COVID-19

Project Renewal is at the front lines of New York City’s response to COVID-19. We have been designated an essential organization by the Governor and Mayor because our health care and housing providers are critical to limiting the spread of this disease and keeping as many people as possible out of our hospitals.  

Currently, we are: 

• Providing health care at our four shelter-based clinics, three mobile medical vans, and through our expanded tele-psychiatry and tele-health systems;

• Housing over 2,000 New Yorkers in seven emergency shelters, five transitional homes, and eight permanent supportive buildings; and

• Preparing and delivering meals for over 2,500 homeless New Yorkers daily

We are proud of our team and their frontline efforts. They are all heroes, coming to work in spite of the risk of exposure and the challenges to supply necessary protective gear.   

We are spending above our budgets right now on personal protective equipment to protect these workers, on tools to transition to remote work for everyone else, and on overtime to cover shifts for our workers who are sick or quarantined. At the same time, we have canceled our annual benefit, which is our main source of private funds for this work.  

If there is any way you can support us – we need your help right now. Will you help Project Renewal protect New York City’s most vulnerable during this crisis?

We are grateful for your support.

Working and thriving with Project Renewal

As a full-time employee at Marsha’s House—Project Renewal’s shelter for LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness—Diana can relate deeply to its residents. She loves helping them overcome similar struggles she faced as a young person.

A member of the LGBTQ+ community herself, Diana became involved in drugs and the party lifestyle as a teenager. She struggled to hold down a job and was homeless for two years in her mid-20s, often spending nights on the 6 train. 

After a stint in rehab, a friend recommended she check out Project Renewal’s Next Step Internship Program. The program helps unemployed and low-income New Yorkers find jobs in the homeless services industry.

Diana became the first intern to work at the newly-opened Marsha’s House, immediately impressing the staff with her work ethic. She was hired full-time as a residential aide after completing her internship. 

“Once I started working, I felt good,” Diana says. “I actually felt that I was accomplishing something.” 

Diana’s job gave her the stability she needed. Now sober for over two years and living on her own, she is taking five classes a semester at Monroe College, where she has a 4.0 GPA. She is thriving in her job and was recently promoted to supervisor. 

“It means so much to me to work at Project Renewal, because they helped me renew my own life, ” Diana says. 

Did you know that mortality rates from drug poisoning are 20 times higher for individuals who are homeless? But there is hope. To support Project Renewal programs that help New Yorkers like Diana, click here.

A Project Renewal Narcan kit saved Tony’s life

Tony’s life changed when his daughter saved him with a Narcan overdose-reversal kit that he had received from Project Renewal. 

Born into a stable family in Cuba, Tony started using drugs when he moved to the United States at the age of 12. He spent time on the streets, and his friendships and family life suffered due to his addiction. 

When Tony overdosed on fentanyl in 2017, his daughter Gwendolyn was able to reverse his overdose with the Narcan kit he had received at Project Renewal. “It was a huge wake-up call for me,” he recalls. 

Last year our staff saved 68 lives with Narcan—and hundreds more through our comprehensive treatment, recovery, housing and employment programs that give New Yorkers like Tony long-term stability.

Following treatment and on-going counseling with Project Renewal, the father of three is now thriving. He’s over 23 months sober, he has a full-time job, and he’s even inspiring others as a motivational speaker. 

“The Project Renewal staff saved my life,” Tony says. “Today, I’m living my life to the fullest.” 

More than 130 Americans die from an opioid overdose each day. You can help save lives this holiday season. To support Project Renewal’s recovery programs that help New Yorkers like Tony, click here.

Frenchy overcomes alcohol addiction

For much of his life, Frenchy thought he would die from alcoholism. Ever since he was a teenager in his native Puerto Rico, if he took one sip of alcohol, he couldn’t stop. He felt helpless.

Then, 14 years ago, his parents sent him to a residential rehab program in New York City, close to relatives. He was finally able to stop drinking, but to ensure lasting recovery, he knew he needed on-going support, a stable home, and a job.

That’s when Frenchy found Project Renewal. He moved into our Renewal House, which was New York City’s first residential and work rehabilitation program for homeless men struggling with alcohol addiction when it opened in 1970.

We helped Frenchy secure a full-time sanitation job in Times Square. Twelve months later he earned “Employee of the Year” honors and a promotion. With newfound stability and our on-going support, he had achieved long-term sobriety for the first time since he was a child.

Today, Frenchy lives in our “housing first” program, which provides apartments and counseling for individuals with substance use disorder histories, and he participates in group therapy at our Recovery Center.

“Without Project Renewal, I’d be dead or in jail,” Frenchy says. “But now I’m happy and healthy.”

Each year, more than 1,700 New Yorkers die of alcohol-related causes. But there is hope. Project Renewal is on the front lines every day. We deliver proven treatment and recovery services to our neighbors in need. You can support our work to save and renew lives, here.

A veteran's story: Recovery at Third Street

Andrew’s promising career as a sonar technician in the Navy was cut short when he became addicted to crack cocaine at age 25. He lost not only his job, but also friends, financial stability, and the roof over his head. Now, our Recovery Center at Third Street is helping Andrew get his life back in order.

Founded in 1969, the Recovery Center was the nation’s first outpatient clinic for homeless adults struggling with addiction.

For Andrew, who is still homeless, it is a welcoming place where he learns to cope with substance use disorder, bipolar disorder, and PTSD.

“The Recovery Center has shown me that wellness can be a million different things—eating right, exercising, listening to music when I need to calm down, even learning to breathe the right way,” he notes

Now drug-free for over three months, he has a steady job delivering food and he has signed up for our Next Step Internship Program to pursue a career in human services. He plans to move into his own place in Queens.

“I’m a very proactive person and Project Renewal helped me be very proactive about recovery,” Andrew says

A mother's story: Next Step at Third Street

When we first met Kelli, she couldn’t land or keep the kind of job she needed to provide for her young twin daughters. The Brooklyn native had what felt like insurmountable obstacles: she dropped out of high school and spent time cycling though shelters and jobs throughout her adult life.

That all changed when she enrolled in our Next Step Internship Program, which combines classroom learning with paid on-the-job training to prepare formerly homeless and at-risk New Yorkers to work in homeless shelters and related human services career paths.

After completing her course work, Kelli interned at Third Street, addressing clients’ needs and providing a welcoming presence for individuals who often feel invisible on the streets.

“Coming in to Third Street every day for my internship taught me discipline,” Kelli says. “It was amazing to be able to help people who struggle with the same challenges I went through.”

When a residential aide position opened at Third Street, Kelli was offered the job and accepted. She joined a staff that included six other Next Step Internship Program graduates, all using their new skills—and empathy grounded in their own experiences—to help clients get back on their feet.

“There’s so much room at Project Renewal to grow,” Kelli says. Her own story proves it. In August, she was offered a case manager position at our In Homes Now program, helping formerly homeless individuals thrive in their own apartments. “Nothing for me has been easy, but I’m ecstatic about the growth that I’ve seen in myself,” she say

44 years of pioneering service

Project Renewal Deputy Director Stephanie Cowles will retire in January 2020, after 44 years of service. Today, she oversees our substance use treatment and workforce development programs—including five programs at our Third Street Men’s Shelter.

Deputy Director Stephanie Cowles (left) with Barbara Hughes, Director of Project Renewal’s City Beet Kitchens & Culinary Arts Training Program

Why did you join Project Renewal in 1976?

I was the chief social worker at Beth Israel’s substance use disorder treatment programs. I saw how the standard five-day hospital detoxification did nothing to help people break the cycle of addiction— and it was expensive. When I heard that Project Renewal (then Manhattan Bowery) received funding to start an experimental detox program, I jumped at the opportunity to become the director. The goal was to create a warm, engaging non-medical setting, with a strong support team of people in recovery to demonstrate that many individuals could safely withdraw from alcohol and drugs outside of a hospital. Its success led to New York State establishing crisis centers modeled after our approach

How has Project Renewal evolved over the decades?

As the homeless population grew and changed, and we were seeing clients with more complex challenges, we needed to offer more programs. We started buying real estate and opening transitional and supportive housing to provide clients with services where they live, on an on-going basis. Increasingly, our clients also needed jobs, so we expanded on our pioneering workforce development services with new initiatives, like our Culinary Arts Training Program at Third Street. That’s the story of Project Renewal. As new needs emerged, we developed innovative, replicable and scalable programs to address them – like our shelter-based ambulatory detox unit, mobile medical vans, parole support program, shelter for homeless LGBTQ young adults, and many others.

What makes the Third Street Men’s Shelter so unique?

Aside from its history, the number of services all in one building sets Third Street apart. It’s really a one-stop shop, with shelter, case management, a primary care clinic, medical and non-medical detoxes, an outpatient recovery program, and a culinary arts training program. We talk about renewing lives with health, homes, and jobs and you really see all three of those elements at Third Street.

Celebrating Culinary Arts Training Program Graduates

New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh celebrates with our Culinary Arts Training Program graduates

Our six-month Culinary Arts Training Program (CATP) has prepared over 1,300 low-income or formerly homeless New Yorkers for careers in the food service industry since it launched over two decades ago. The newest cohort of graduates recently celebrated their completion of the program and their future culinary endeavors.

New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh attended the celebration and addressed the graduates, encouraging them to keep working towards their goals. He applauded CATP, telling news outlet Patch, “I do think that the state ought to look at programs like this as a model... Its success speaks for itself.’”

Like every class before them, the graduates learned cooking theory and food preparation in a teaching kitchen, and then gained on-the-job experience through internships at local restaurants and corporate dining services.  

Graduate Juan Berrios of Williamsburg has already earned a full-time job at his internship site, the popular Chelsea restaurant Cookshop. "Just the way that I learned and seeing the process was more than enough for me to know that this is not just a program I want to be in, but this is the career that I want to advance,” Juan told news outlet Patch, which covered the ceremony. 

Juan is among over 80% of graduates who have been placed in jobs since 1996, making the CATP twice as successful as similar programs. 

Congratulations to all! 

Sheila finds hope

Nearly two decades ago, Project Renewal helped Sheila overcome long-term substance use disorder and move out of shelter and into our Geffner House supportive housing residence, where she has lived stably ever since. However, two years ago, our staff noticed that Sheila, now in her sixties, was becoming increasingly isolated due to physical health concerns.

That’s when we enrolled Sheila in Helping Older People Engage (HOPE) – our innovative occupational therapy-based program that helps seniors age with independence and dignity. Through HOPE, our occupational therapists implement a wide range of interventions to support residents, including escorts to medical appointments, home modifications, group sessions, and community outings.

For Sheila, the program has been transformational. HOPE staff installed grab bars in her apartment to help her with mobility and connected her with nutrition services. Most significantly, Sheila is engaged with her community again, participating in group activities like music and chair yoga.

Sheila says, “HOPE really brings people together. It has given me things to look forward to and made me appreciate life more.”

HOPE was established in 2017 and is partially funded by a generous grant from the Fan Fox and Leslie R. Samuels Foundation.

Healthy smiles renew lives

Project Renewal’s Fort Washington Men’s shelter operates one of the nation’s few shelter-based dental clinics. It’s a vital service for our patients, who come to the clinic from Project Renewal shelters and programs, as well as through referrals from other organizations.

Good dental care can be a big step for people on the path to renewal. “The restoration of our patients’ teeth has a profound effect on their confidence and psychological well-being, especially since many of them are already coping with mental illness,” Dr. Mark Schufman, DDS says. Dr. Schufman is Project Renewal’s dental department director and his view of his job is different than most dentists. “My goal is to get patients ready for job and housing interviews,” he says.

Poor oral health can erode the confidence of people experiencing homelessness and impact their ability to secure employment or a home. Our clinic provides free cleanings, x-rays, and dentures to homeless and at-risk adults, like Barbara, a patient at our mobile medical vans who was referred to the clinic. Barbara, who was formerly homeless, endured the most strenuous times during the last recession. Her oral health deteriorated and she struggled to chew food. “Dr. Schufman was able to repair my teeth,” recalls Barbara, who has continued coming to our clinic for regular check-ups. “I can eat thanks to him. What he does is crisis intervention.” “It’s moving to see patients overwhelmed with joy when they first see themselves after replacing their teeth,” says Dr. Schufman.

Bringing health care to the streets

Peter has lived on the streets of Manhattan for most of the last 30 years. The stress of his chronic homelessness has taken its toll on his body, causing him to suffer from diabetes, adrenaline tremors, cataracts, glaucoma, and a bone infection in his foot.

As someone who leads a busy and fulfilling life advocating for causes important to people experiencing homelessness, Peter needs his health care to meet him where he is. Thanks to Project Renewal’s mobile medical vans, Peter gets the health care he needs.

Peter first heard about Project Renewal in 2009 when our psychiatric outreach team visited a drop-in shelter where he worked. Two years later, when he lost his job and became homeless again, he began visiting our mobile medical units. Now he visits once a month for check-ups, medication, supplies, and referrals to specialists, like our shelter-based dentist.

“A lot of homeless people don’t trust hospitals,” Peter explains. “Project Renewal is different. They treat you with dignity, like a human being. I recommend it to people all the time.”

Our vans meet patients like Peter in their community where they are and in many cases on the streets. The Project Renewal mobile medical units serve 14 locations across Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx, outside shelters, churches and community centers. Last year 3,547 adults received care on our vans, making Project Renewal the largest provider of mobile medical services to homeless New Yorkers. We provide care irrespective of the patient’s ability to pay, and we offer all of our uninsured patients assistance with the enrollment process.

As a member of our patient advisory board, Peter is also helping to make our mobile medical units better. The board meets with our staff monthly, to give feedback and ensure that we are adapting to our patients’ evolving needs.

While Peter continues helping other homeless New Yorkers access health care and housing, he hopes to move into a permanent home soon too. “I’m grateful to Project Renewal for helping me be in a position with my health where I can think about my future,” he says.

Project Renewal Raises Over $1.6 Million for Homeless Services at Annual Benefit + Auction

Project Renewal raised over $1.6 million at its 29th Annual Benefit + Auction on June 4 at Pier Sixty.

This year’s benefit celebrated Project Renewal’s signature workplace development programs, including its Culinary Arts Training Program—which trains low-income and formerly homeless adults for careers in the culinary industry—and Next Step, a comprehensive job assistance program that works individually with clients to remove barriers to employment.

Jonathan F.P. Rose, President and Founder of Jonathan Rose Companies, was honored at the event for his real estate firm’s innovative work in green affordable and mixed-income housing, including partnering with Project Renewal to develop Bedford Green House. Opening later this year in the Bronx, Bedford Green House, will provide 234 apartments, support services, and wellness amenities—including a rooftop aquaponics greenhouse—to low-income residents and families leaving shelter. 

Attendees heard from Diana Perez, a former Next Step client who now works as a supervisor at Marsha’s House, Project Renewal’s shelter for LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness. “Thanks to this organization, not only do I have a job, but I have financial stability and a career path,” said Diana. “For the first time since I was a child, I am optimistic about the future and I look forward to every new day.” Her inspiring story was featured in this video at the event.

Over 800 guests attended the event, enjoying cocktails, dinner, and a live auction, presented by Lydia Fenet, Managing Director and Global Director of Strategic Partnerships at Christie’s.

“We are deeply grateful to everyone who came tonight for supporting Project Renewal’s mission and making this night a tremendous success. The generosity of our donors, board members, and volunteers will help us to continue expanding our comprehensive services for homeless New Yorkers, including the innovative workforce development programs we celebrated tonight," said Project Renewal President & CEO Eric Rosenbaum.

Honoree Jonathan F.P. Rose

The benefit co-chairs were Anita Friedman Berman, Russell Berman, Jenny Sharfstein Kane, and Andrew Kane. Many organizations generously sponsored the evening, including Morgan Stanley, Hollister Construction Services, Jonathan Rose Companies, Sera Security Services, Helm Equities, Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel, Architects, DPC, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Bank of America, MetroPlus, and GFP Real Estate.

Culinary training gives New Yorkers job skills—and hope for the future

For New Yorkers who have been homeless, have a criminal justice history, or who do not have a diploma, securing a well-paying job can feel daunting, if not impossible.

Through a range of workforce development program, Project Renewal helps individuals experiencing these challenges to obtain the jobs they need in order to achieve economic security and live independently.

One such program is our six-month Culinary Arts Training Program (CATP), which prepares over 200 New Yorkers for careers in the food service industry each year. Students in the program learn cooking theory and food preparation in a teaching kitchen, and then gain on-the-job experience through internships at local restaurants, like Del Posto and CookShop, and corporate dining services. Participants’ hard work pays off—over 80% of graduates have been placed in jobs since 1996, making the CATP twice as successful as similar programs.

The program is life-changing for participants like Kristina, a mother of three who once lived in a shelter and is now interning in the kitchen at Morgan Stanley. “With my internship and my new skills, I am more determined than ever to succeed,” she says. “To hear my three children say that they are proud of me brings me great joy—and it motivates me even more.” You can read an op-ed she penned about her story and CATP here.

Project Renewal selected to be part of Collaborative for Homeless Healthcare

Project Renewal is honored to have been selected by The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust to join its Collaborative for Homeless Healthcare.

Thanks to generous support from the Trust, Project Renewal will work with the New York City Department of Homeless Services, Care For the Homeless, and the Center for Urban Community Services to address the unique health needs of homeless New Yorkers over the next three years. The Collaborative will bolster connections between shelters, hospitals, and health social services; strengthen New York City’s homeless medical care system; and improve patients’ stability and well-being.

Helmsley announced the Collaborative via the following press release:

Collaborative Launches to Address Health Needs of New Yorkers Experiencing Homelessness

Helmsley Charitable Trust supporting NYC’s leading providers to improve the homeless healthcare system

(New York, NY) – January 28, 2019 –Today, The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust announces the launch of the Collaborative for Homeless Healthcare, a new coalition of healthcare providers serving New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. The NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS) and three leading healthcare providers who have an exclusive focus on homeless patients – Care for the Homeless, the Center for Urban Community Services (CUCS), and Project Renewal – will work together to better address the unique needs of people experiencing homelessness in New York City.   

In New York City, limited information-sharing and coordination makes continuity of care for homeless patients difficult. As a mobile population, patients travel among shelters, hospitals, and health social service providers that are not connected to each other. Over the next three years, the Collaborative will direct Helmsley resources to develop solutions to close this gap, build pathways to strengthen New York City’s homeless healthcare system, and improve patients’ health stability and well-being.

“Rooted in New York City, Helmsley is committed to helping our neighbors live healthier lives and   addressing systemic challenges is a priority for homeless New Yorkers,” said Tracy Perrizo, Program Officer at the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “There is tremendous energy, experience, and unflagging commitment among these healthcare providers. This collaboration is poised to transform the homeless healthcare system and ensure better health outcomes for all who use it.”

For the roughly 60,000 New Yorkers experiencing homelessness and residing in NYCDHS shelters on any given night, health issues often lead to or prolong their housing instability. At the same time, individuals experiencing homelessness are among the highest users of healthcare services in the city.

Using shared metrics and goals, the Collaborative will develop new solutions to improve care coordination and implement upgrades that aim to benefit healthcare providers, DHS, and most importantly, the people they serve.

[...]

“Project Renewal is thrilled to be part of the Collaborative for Homeless Healthcare’s vital mission to improve the healthcare system for homeless New Yorkers. Each year, through substance use disorder treatment programs, medical clinics and mobile vans, and psychiatric services, Project Renewal provides healthcare to nearly 13,000 people who are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless,” said Jody Rudin, COO of Project Renewal. “We look forward to working with our tremendous partners to provide coordinated, high-quality care that will bring wellness and stability to the lives of our patients and to all”

You can read the full press release here and The Wall Street Journal’s coverage of the Collaborative here.

Project Renewal raises $200,000 to support immigrants and other New Yorkers facing homelessness

Our supporters and Board of Trustees stepped up to make our 2018 end-of-year campaign a success—we have reached our goal of raising $200,000 for immigrants this holiday season! The funds raised will enable us to continue providing immigrants and other New Yorkers facing homelessness with comprehensive and innovative health care, housing, and employment services.

Immigrants are a vital part of New York City’s culture and economy. Yet due to factors like language barriers, stigma, and fear of accessing services, foreign-born New Yorkers can face healthcare, housing, and employment challenges.

For example, two-thirds of healthcare providers report a reluctance among immigrant patients to seek medical care due to fear of deportation and stigma. Nearly one third of immigrant workers earn less than $25,000 a year, and immigrants are three times more likely to live in overcrowded conditions than native-born New Yorkers.

The funding, which includes a $30,000 match from our generous Board of Trustees, will help Project Renewal address these obstacles and change lives. The success of the campaign shows that New York values diversity and inclusivity.

Client Story: Vincent

Substance use disorder has overshadowed much of Vincent’s life. To support his addiction, he sold drugs, then got caught, and went to prison. On parole, he feared relapsing into a cycle of addiction and incarceration. He found hope when a friend referred him to Project Renewal.

Today, Vincent’s therapy at The Recovery Center helps him stay away from his old habits and cope with post-traumatic stress that lingers from his time in prison. With newfound optimism, he enrolled in culinary school and hopes to work as a cook. “The Recovery Center gave me a golden opportunity and I’m going to take advantage of it,” he says.

Project Renewal's Executive Team and Board of Trustees bake cookies to show appreciation during the holidays

The Project Renewal Executive Team and Board of Trustees came together and baked cookies for delivery to staff at every Project Renewal location, under the supervision of our talented chefs at City Beet Kitchens.

In all, the team baked 55 packages of cookies in assorted flavors, one for each shift at every Project Renewal site. They also wrote holiday cards, sending well-wishes for the season.

These baked treats are a small gesture of gratitude for our staff’s dedication. Our 900 staff members work tirelessly to provide the best healthcare, housing, and employment services for New Yorkers facing homelessness.

Project Renewal to operate one of City’s first health diversion centers

Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced that Project Renewal will operate one of the City’s first diversion centers. Project Renewal is honored to use this new model of care to intervene with individuals who are in crisis through intensive engagement and support services. We look forward to helping guests at the diversion center achieve stability and get on the path to renewal.

The City announced the diversion center locations via the following press release:

De Blasio Administration Announces Locations of Two Planned City Health Diversion Centers

Centers will provide police officers with alternatives to arrests and hospitalization for people with mental health needs who do not pose a risk to public safety

NEW YORK––Mayor Bill de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray today announced two vendors have signed leases to open the City’s first two drop-off diversion centers, a significant first step towards opening the centers. Health diversion centers will offer short-term, stabilizing services for individuals with mental health and substance use needs, giving police officers a much-needed alternative to arrest or hospitalization.

The centers will be operated by Samaritan Daytop Village, at 3000 White Plains Road in the Bronx, and Project Renewal, at 179 East 116th Street in East Harlem. Each center will serve up to 25 people at a time; the City expects diversion centers to be open by late 2019.

[...]

“Project Renewal is honored to operate one of the City’s first diversion centers and use this new model of care to intervene with individuals who are in crisis through intensive engagement and support services,” said Eric Rosenbaum, President & CEO of Project Renewal. “For 52 years, Project Renewal has been an innovator in developing services to help New Yorkers overcome homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders. We are eager to use our vast expertise to help guests at the diversion center achieve stability and get on the path to renewal. We look forward to working with the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, the New York City Police Department, and our community partners in East Harlem on this innovative program.”

You can read the full press release here.

Project Renewal launches campaign to help immigrant New Yorkers this holiday season

This holiday season, Project Renewal has launched a fundraising campaign to support immigrant New Yorkers through our health care, housing, and employment programs.

The metaphor of the New York City melting pot resonates for a reason—immigrants are a vital part of our city’s culture and economy, making up nearly 40% of the population. Yet due to factors like language barriers, stigma, and fear of accessing services, foreign-born New Yorkers are vulnerable to health, housing, and employment challenges. Harmful policies and toxic rhetoric are only compounding these issues.

This year, two-thirds of health care providers reported a reluctance among immigrant patients to seek medical care due to fear of deportation and stigma. Immigrants with mental health concerns are also far less likely to get treatment than people born in the U.S.

Housing can also be an issue for immigrants. Foreign-born New Yorkers are three times more likely to live in overcrowded conditions than native-born New Yorkers. Crowded conditions correlate with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and respiratory problems.

And despite driving key areas of the New York City economy, nearly one third of immigrant workers earn less than $25,000 a year.

Project Renewal provides hope to immigrants through all of our innovative programs. We will be sharing a few of their inspiring stories throughout the campaign, and your support will ensure we can continue delivering life-changing services to vulnerable New Yorkers like them.

Our generous Board of Trustees is matching the first $25,000 raised between now and #GivingTuesday on November 27, 2018.

Celebrate our city’s diversity and inclusivity by supporting immigrant New Yorkers.

Learn more and donate to the campaign here.

Luis’ Road to Recovery

Luis’ family immigrated from Mexico City to America in search of economic prosperity.

In 1978, they moved to Williamsburg, Brooklyn—a very different neighborhood than it is today. “It was a rough part of town back then,” Luis remembers. “There was a lot of racism and we spoke Spanish, so I was a target and was involved in a lot of fights.”

Struggling to fit in, Luis started drinking as a teenager and dropped out of school. He got married, had a daughter, and worked a variety of jobs. But throughout his adult life, alcohol addiction continued to limit his success and even led to two arrests.

He tried several rehab programs, but he never thought he would find one that could help him establish long-term sobriety—until he came to Project Renewal’s Recovery Center, an outpatient clinic for people struggling with substance use disorder.

“Project Renewal’s program is really working,” says Luis, who has been in the Recovery Center for four months. “They get to know you and they really care.”

Our staff has diagnosed Luis with anxiety and depression and is providing him with medication and counselling, in both one-on-one and group settings.

Now, he’s optimistic for the future. “I want to get my GED and become a real estate agent,” he says. “I can focus on those goals, now that I’m taking care of my health.”

Immigrants with mental health and substance use issues are far less likely to get treatment than people born in the U.S. who have the same issues. Unfortunately, due to hateful rhetoric and harmful policy proposals, immigrants are increasingly afraid of accessing services. To support the Recovery Center and other Project Renewal programs that help vulnerable immigrants, click HERE.