Each January, during the coldest nights of the year, New Yorkers come together for the Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Count, a citywide initiative that surveys individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness. HOPE 2025 provides critical data that will help shape future policies and housing solutions to better support New Yorkers in need.
While the idea of “hope” may seem incongruous with the stark realities of homelessness, Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of New York, explains why hope remains central to this mission.
“Hope doesn’t seem to be the right word to use when on this cold January night people go out to try to find out who is without a home, who’s homeless on our streets. But the reason that we do it each year is so the next year, an individual whom we encounter on the street might not be on the street, might not be unsheltered, but does have a place to live,” Monsignor Sullivan reflected.
Catholic Charities NY: Addressing Homelessness and Supporting Stability
While the HOPE Count focuses on identifying the unsheltered homeless, Catholic Charities NY works year-round to address the root causes of homelessness and housing insecurity through prevention programs, affordable housing services, and community support.
One key aspect of these efforts is its Homelessness Prevention Program, which supports individuals and families facing imminent eviction. Caseworkers collaborate with landlords, legal services, and community organizations to create comprehensive plans that address immediate emergencies and prevent future crises. Services include:
- Assistance with back rent
- Access to family eviction prevention housing subsidies
- Help transitioning from New York City shelters to stable apartments
- Legal support for housing court cases
- Mediation with landlords
In addition to prevention, Catholic Charities NY supports long-term housing stability through its Catholic Homes initiative.
“For 50 years, Catholic Homes has built, sustained, and upgraded affordable apartments for low-income New Yorkers,” Monsignor Sullivan noted. “Our caseworkers can help guide individuals and families toward available affordable housing opportunities, including those requiring waiting lists.”
Beyond providing housing, Catholic Charities ensures that residents thrive in their communities. Support services and community engagement activities are offered to individuals and families living in Catholic Homes apartments, fostering stability and connection.
One such initiative was a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, held last August at Second Farms, an affordable housing complex, helps families prepare for the new school year. Nelly, a Second Farms resident and mother of three, attended the event and expressed her gratitude:
“I’m here at the event collecting book bags. I want to thank Catholic Charities for helping out every year—not just with our children, but with everything. There’s always something new to look forward to, and I’m truly grateful for that.”
For families like Nelly’s, these events provide more than just school supplies—they offer relief, encouragement, and a sense of community. Catholic Charities NY remains committed to supporting low-income families through our housing programs and beyond, helping people build lives where they can thrive.
A Shared Vision for a Brighter Tomorrow
By combining homelessness prevention programs, affordable housing initiatives, and comprehensive support services, Catholic Charities NY works tirelessly to ensure that every New Yorker has the opportunity for a stable and dignified life. These efforts not only provide shelter but also help individuals and families thrive and achieve long-term stability.
Even as challenges persist, Monsignor Sullivan reminds us of the broader mission. “We want to create hope for our neighbors who need a place to live. This is not just about housing; it’s about building better futures.”
Through its commitment to addressing the causes of homelessness and housing instability, Catholic Charities NY helps bring hope to those who need it most. Together, we can ensure that every New Yorker has a place to call home.
Together, we can continue making a difference. Donate to support Catholic Charities’ mission and help provide stability for families in need.