Does anyone know of any great NYC programs to get gifted homeless people back on their feet?

October 4, 2011 10:41 AM

Does anyone know of any great NYC programs to help get gifted homeless people back on their feet? I know two exceptionally AWESOME, intelligent, talented, (now) homeless people. I want to help but don't know how. I feel the need to put some energy into helping them fix this problem regularly, till it's sorted out.

Does anyone know of any great NYC programs to get gifted homeless people back on their feet? I know two exceptionally AWESOME, intelligent, talented, homeless people who happen to be brother and sister (but are not "hanging" together). They both are exceptional people that lost their living spaces and/or jobs and had no backup. In NYC this can go down FAST. I want to help but don't know how. I give them cash (when i can) and they both use it wisely but I feel like I have done nothing when I walk away and know they don't have a solid place to stay. I feel like I NEED to put some energy into helping them fix this daily as I have a base to work from and the web etc. and they don't (and i know they could be really sucessful again with a bit of a hand).. I would even consider trying to assist them in relocating if the opportunity was good enough. They are both quite employable but with no recent work history. The girl is an Ivy League grad that is great with nutrition and health, the guy can build pretty much anything with his hands. Work/shelter situation would be the best I would guess. These are clearly people that would be temporarily crashing with their parents if they were still alive.
Any Ideas Hive Mind?

posted by StUdIoGeEk to society & culture (16 answers total)

I doubt anything is designed for gifted homeless people.

But besides the traditional routes, you might consider something not designed for homeless people at all -- such as work and volunteer programs that provide housing, even the military. Are they open to moving?
posted by maurreen at 10:53 AM on October 4, 2011

How old are they?
posted by maurreen at 10:54 AM on October 4, 2011

How old are they?
They are in their 40s, but seem and look quite a bit younger for some reason.

Are they open to moving?
I believe so.

Thank You
SG
posted by StUdIoGeEk at 11:02 AM on October 4, 2011

Would they be interested in Peace Corps?
posted by Tarumba at 11:08 AM on October 4, 2011

Would they be interested in Peace Corps?

hmmmmmmm thats an interesting idea.....
Have you worked for them?
I'll research it a bit, than bring it up.
Nice, outside the box idea!
posted by StUdIoGeEk at 11:11 AM on October 4, 2011

Here's a list I found for "free volunteer travel"

If you Google the phrase, you might find others. But scrutinize them, because it's likely that they vary about whether the programs pay for travel, food or housing. That is, some will pay for some of that, and some will pay for all of that.

Another option for the meantime is to try to hook them up with standard volunteering where they are. As a minimum, it will give them some current "work experience." It could lead to connections that lead to more.

They guy at least could maybe start with Habitat for Humanity.
posted by maurreen at 11:24 AM on October 4, 2011

Also, I saw another post that I can't find now that might or might not be helpful. It was about where a young couple with little money and no job could start. One of the answers was about working for Alaska fish companies.
posted by maurreen at 11:28 AM on October 4, 2011

In re. maurreen's answer -- Young couple with nothing need jobs and a place to live - where? (Interesting stuff on N Dakota, too)
posted by kmennie at 11:34 AM on October 4, 2011

A little more brainstorming -- house-sitting, pet-sitting, care-taking, other types of live-in help.

Any which way, their lack of recent job experience will he a handicap. But if they can get hooked up with any type of live-in situation, they won't need to worry about saving for rental deposit.

Even these things won't come overnight. But they can be worked into. And they guy's abilities could help at any ranch-type situation.
posted by maurreen at 11:40 AM on October 4, 2011

Send 'em to All Angels' Episcopal on W 80th and Broadway at 5:00PM on Sunday or 10:00AM on Tuesday or Thursday. On Sunday they've got a "Community Meal" aimed at the homeless population after 5:00PM service, which is also targeted similarly. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, they've got their "Pathways" ministry, which comes pretty close to being a full-service program for the homeless. Medical care, psychological care, food, showers, etc., but also, and this is key, excellent access to public and private support systems and social services.

They'll either be able to help these people or put them in touch with those who can.
posted by valkyryn at 11:45 AM on October 4, 2011 [1 favorite]

Have them contact LIFT. I believe their NYC office is in the Bronx, which may or may not be close.
posted by teragram at 11:51 AM on October 4, 2011

Just so you know, the idea of a special fund or service to reach out to worthy, "intelligent" homeless people is going to go over like a lead balloon, especially in New York City. Most of the people involved in homeless outreach see it as a human rights issue and feel that all are entitled to food, shelter, and protection. I know that what you're suggesting comes from a place of altruism, but I'd be very careful about how you present this kind of idea to others.
posted by hermitosis at 12:01 PM on October 4, 2011 [3 favorites]

thank you all for your ideas so far!
hermitosis: Gotcha!
posted by StUdIoGeEk at 12:38 PM on October 4, 2011

Are these two people down at Wall Street protesting? They ought to be. They might make some good connections there and at least get some free food.
posted by mareli at 12:39 PM on October 4, 2011 [1 favorite]

This is a long shot...but 20 years ago, I lived in a vegan hippie co-op in Madison, WI (Nottingham represent). They had visitors occasionally stay for short to medium stints, and they also had a 'work for room and board' program. E.g. you agreed to do much needed maintenance around the house, and you could sleep and eat for free/a reduced rate. Some guests were complete flakes, but others ended up doing a lot of good work.

I don't know if NYC has the same arrangement, but it might be a possibility. It'd at least get a roof over their head and tofu in their belly.
posted by spinifex23 at 3:47 PM on October 4, 2011

Try and find out who/which program administers HUD'S Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) grant money in NYC, and see if they qualify. (This money was a one-time thing as part of Obama's recovery, so the funds are drying up fast.)

In order to qualify, they'll probably also have to look into NYC's Temporary Assistance program.

Good luck to them.
posted by trip and a half at 8:55 PM on October 4, 2011