SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE FOR HOMELESS NYC CHILDREN

By Ashley Welch

Volunteers of America is currently collecting donations of brand-new backpacks and school supplies for the thousands of children living in the New York City shelter system.

The drive, called Operation Backpack, is in its ninth year. Last year, volunteers provided filled backpacks to 7,000 of the 11,000 homeless children in New York City. The goal for this year is 9,000.
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Unintended Consequences

Illegal hotel law might bring homeless shelters to community

By Jade Earle

A new law designed to protect affordable housing and outlaw illegal hotels in the city has instead fueled community ire, as a single-room-occupancy designated building, which was formerly run as an illegal hotel, might now be converted into a homeless shelter. Read more

HOMELESS GROUP GETS NEW DIRECTOR

By Dan Rivoli

Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter, an Upper East Side organization that provides services for the homeless, has a new executive director, as CEO Anne Teicher stepped down after 15 years. Read more

Homeless Man Assaulted

A homeless man who sleeps in front of St. Monica’s Church, on East 79th Street and First Avenue, was attacked on May 26 at 1:20 a.m. Police said he and a friend named “John” were having a verbal dispute. The two made up several minutes later. But when the 48-year-old fell asleep, “John” allegedly slashed him on the left side of his neck. The victim ran off and fell to the ground on East 78th Street where he was spotted.

RAISING MONEY, ONE BLOCK AT A TIME

Every November, New York City bike messengers team up to raise money for the homeless by hosting an alleycat, which is an informal bicycle race through the streets. This year’s edition, known as Cranksgiving 10, will take place Friday, Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. starting at West 23rd Street and 11th Avenue. The race is open to everyone. All that is required is a bike, a bag and a lock. For more information, visit www.cranksgiving.org.

NEIGHBORS DISCUSS SHELTER PLANS

The uncertain future of a homeless intake shelter, at 237 E. 77th St., has become a concern for neighbors. Nikki Henkin, co-chair of the 100-299 East 77th Street Block Association, said the community was “blindsided” by the shelter when it opened 20 years ago. She and other neighbors held a meeting earlier this week to discuss potential plans for the site.
“It’s a proactive measure,” Henkin said of the meeting.
Anne Teicher is executive director of the Neighborhood Coalition for Shelter, which ran the intake facility. She said that St. James Church, the owner of the building, has no plans for the site, which lost funding from the city last July.
“When we do have a plan we will come to the community,” Teicher said. “We do not have any plans for the use of the building at any time.”
Council Member Dan Garodnick, whose aide attended the meeting, said he was reassured by the church that the community will be involved in future plans.
“They have committed to my office to consulting with neighborhood residents and having a thorough conversation before they make a final decision,” Garodnick said.