Volunteers of America-Greater New York

For over a century, VOA-Greater New York has been serving our neighbors in need, becoming one of the largest providers of human services to families and individuals experiencing homelessness in New York City, Northern New Jersey and Westchester County.
Our 60+ programs include temporary, transitional and permanent housing, including supportive housing with wrap-around services and affordable housing. Each year, we help more than 30,000 adults and children.

We know that our clients—84% of whom identify as Black or Latinx—confront barriers to accessing housing, healthcare and employment. Whether survivors of domestic violence, children with special needs, seniors, veterans, at-risk youth or people living with HIV/AIDS, behavioral health issues or substance use-related needs, VOA-Greater New York staff—83% of whom also identify as Black or Latinx—ensure our clients never have to face these barriers alone.

VOA-Greater New York’s vision to end homelessness in the Greater New York area by 2050 is fueled by our rich history and experience as an anti-poverty organization. We know that the most prevalent causes of homelessness are lack of affordable housing, unmet health needs and lack of jobs that create wealth-generating careers. More broadly, structural racism and generational poverty are to blame for many of the longstanding barriers to independent living that our neighbors in need face every day. This is why VOA-Greater New York is at the forefront of developing innovative housing, health and wealth-building services for individuals experiencing, or at imminent risk of, homelessness. Through this work, we are not only addressing the immediate needs of our community, we are also laboring toward systemic change. Public policy and partnerships— including those between the public, private and nonprofit sectors—are both crucial to advancement in this area.