I'm already expanding my street relief work!

(help wanted)

Some of you may have noticed a new, subtle change in the title of my project of nearly seven years.

It now reads: “Helping Homeless Women (& Others) - NYC.”

This change is meant to reflect what I talked about in a recent post, e.g. a strong desire to expand my humanitarian work. Even though I currently do not yet have the funding to do it the way I dream of, I can still start in a small way to create some big momentum. Please allow me to explain.

I have homeless women “regulars” I help. I will not stop helping them nor will I stop being open to helping any new homeless women I encounter. However, there are other vulnerable, lonely people everywhere — including right here in my neighborhood. I’ve already added three to my mission.

Firstly, there’s a homeless man who seems to have cerebral palsy. He might be in his 50s and has a kind, playful spirit. I walked past him dozens of times in the past —while on my way to help homeless women in the same area. In the winter, I’ve handed him some hand or toe warmers but, at some point, it felt wrong to not do more. 

Due to his disability, his voice is loud and his speech is not easy to understand. For this, it seems some folks dismiss him as a drug user or alcoholic but once you talk with him, you quickly realize he’s cool.

So, K is now on my list.

Also, there’s a very tiny, skinny woman — in her 50s? — I’ve seen around here for a while. To the best of my knowledge, she has some form of housing but she is clearly struggling on many levels and is getting worse. She sits outside, in clear distress, and people just walk past her. 

I recently introduced myself during the heat wave to make she was staying hydrated and not sitting in the direct sun. She won’t make eye contact with me but she accepts and appreciates the support I’ve been offering.

She’s now also on my list.

Lastly, for now, is a disabled man who also seems to be in his 50s. He has an apartment but not much else. He’s large and needs a walker to get around. I’ve passed him where he sits outside a local barbershop (the barber seems fine with keeping an eye on him). 

The man and I say hello so I finally asked him one day what size shoe he wears because I had an extra pair of sneakers. As fate would have it, he and I are the same size. I brought him the sneakers and he was grateful beyond my expectations. Since then, I might pass by to give him water, and a banana, and always, have a friendly conversation.

T is on my list now, too.

As my work expands, I need more funding. Can you find it in your heart to donate and/or help me reach more potential donors? I just want to help people and let them experience some friendly interactions — but I cannot do it without your support.

In the meantime, of course, my work continues for homeless women. If you keep doing what you do, I can keep doing what I do (and more). 

You can make a direct donation at GoFundMe here.

You can order items from my wishlist here.

Also, it would be epic if some of you would commit to a monthly pledge at Patreon. You pick the amount and it will be automatically donated each month. No extra work for you and I get to have a better idea of each month’s budget. To start that process, visit here now.

No matter what, please spread the word by sharing the above links far and wide! Thank you, as always, for your kind and generous support. And if you cross paths with a homeless woman, remember to be friendly and compassionate.