Further into the Fray: Renewing New York City in 2013

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According to the Annual Homeless Outreach Population Estimate (HOPE) Street Survey conducted by the Department of Homeless Services in January 2012, there were 3,262 unsheltered homeless individuals—a 23% increase from last year, and this is in addition to the 9,500 men and women in shelters on any given night.

So we will do more in 2013

  • Meet the increased demand for shelter by developing a new shelter for 108 mentally-ill men in the Bronx: renovation is underway and scheduled to open in 2013.
  • Meet the need for job training for homeless veterans by opening a satellite Culinary Arts Training Program to help 64 veterans annually learn cooking and work skills in a 6-month classroom and internship program.
  • Meet the needs of homeless veterans for jobs by adding more outreach and placement services. Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS) provides intensive, one-on-one case management to address the complex problems facing homeless veterans.
  • Meet the need for supportive housing by developing a new residence for 56 homeless men and women struggling with substance abuse or mental illness. Studio apartments will add housing options for men and women now in shelters.
  • And continue innovating within the over 30 programs that help to end homelessness for 13,000 New Yorkers each year.

DONATE NOW to help ensure these veterans get the help they need in 2013!

Locks for Jobs, or How One Intern Gave Back

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Viki Lazar Before

Viki Lazar Before

Former Next Step intern Viki Lazar created a fundraising event around her big decision to cut her “beloved dreadlocks” after 9 years.

She set up a page online, asking friends and family to make a gift to Project Renewal to mark the occasion. She raised $4,000 which she will match with $1 for every $2 donated for a total gift of $6,000.. “If losing my dreadlocks is like Samson losing his strength, help me give that strength to others!”

Why Project Renewal? “Next Step is an amazing place where clients find people who believe in them again. Many of the formerly homeless clients at Next Step are in recovery or were recently incarcerated. Despite having lived lives I can’t even begin to imagine, these strong and brave people want to turn things around. It was life-changing to watch clients realize that they do have something tremendous to contribute to society.”

Learn more about Next Step, the program funded with Viki’s support.

Viki Lazar After

Viki Lazar After!

What is new on the farm?

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What’s new on the farm?

Summer has arrived in Upstate New York! Learn more about Renewal Farm, a six-month work-training program for 24 homeless men in recovery from substance abuse who are struggling to rebuild their lives.

The men learn to operate an organic farm and retail business, and the program trains men in marketable skills and places them in jobs and housing when they complete the program. Along with the vocation component, farm participants participate in St. Christopher’s Inn intensive 60 day substance abuse treatment program.

News: New Grant to Get Vets Jobs Awarded to Project Renewal

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Richard McFarthing

Senator Schumer’s office called to congratulate us on our award of $100,064 to provide employment services to homeless veterans! We were one of 2 new grantees in New York City selected in this national competition.

Did you know 107,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, and 45% of veterans need help getting a job?

The press release stated:

These recipients are familiar with the geographic areas and populations to be served, and have demonstrated that they can provide effective help to homeless veterans

Funding will expand the reach of our Next Step Employment Program to homeless veterans: we will offer vocational counseling, job training, and job placement services to help vets get back to work! 

Click here to view to press release.

Photo courtesy of EsotericSapience via Flickr

News: Culinary Arts Training Program Graduates 66th Class

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A Culinary Arts Graduate Takes His Knives

Last Friday 23 more graduates of our Culinary Arts Training Program (CATP) received a new set of knives, firm handshakes from their teachers, and the promise that “we will stay with you, we will continue to help you.”

From their former life on the streets to this celebration on the Bowery these formerly homeless men and women have much to be proud of, and much to look forward to. Over half get jobs right out of the program, and even in this struggling economy over half are employed 6 months later.

Even in today’s job market the students are finding employment and employers are keeping them, despite an industry that sees the highest turnover (by far) than any other industry.

Our unique training program is designed to train formerly homeless men and women in entry level kitchen skills and help them get and keep jobs in the food service industry. This program includes training in customer service and other life skills necessary for our student’s continued success in the industry.

We are so proud of their continued accomplishments in not only graduating from the program but in turning their lives around. Congrats Grads!

Help: Have a new or used cookbook? Donate now to help formerly homeless New Yorker's learn to cook!

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101/365: Old faithful

Imagine never having a fridge…you could only buy enough food for the day and you couldn’t plan a menu, let alone cook!

Many of our clients face this reality.

Across our programs Project Renewal needs new or used cookbooks. In our Culinary Arts Training Program students depend on cookbooks to hone their craft and residents in our transitional housing apartments use them to learn to cook for the first time. Be a part of their new life!

Please drop of cookbooks at Project Renewal’s Headquarters in TriBeCa at 200 Varick 9th Fl. New York, NY 10014 or mail to:

Project Renewal

c/o Joanna Stanberry

200 Varick 9th Fl.

New York, NY 10014 

photo courtesy of SaraSphar via Flickr