COVID-19 ushered in one of the most difficult chapters in The Bowery Mission’s history, a time of immense stress, loss, and hardship, as we rallied to provide critical frontline care for New Yorkers in crisis.
Yet the season has not been without its triumphs. As we look back, we are reminded of God’s extraordinary faithfulness to us in so many ways. We could never imagine the ways in which He would equip us to provide comfort, healing, and hope amidst death and darkness. We could never have foreseen the ways in which new life could be possible, even in the midst of tragedy.
And while we don’t know what we will experience in the years ahead, we remain filled with hope. Our Red Doors will remain the same. They will continue to be a haven for people with nowhere else to go, a place where people will continue to hear: “yes, please come in.”
Photos by Jeffrey Lau, Gabe Desanti, and others
In March 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, The Bowery Mission adapted each aspect of its operations virtually overnight in order to continue providing life-saving care to neighbors experiencing homelessness, hunger and other crises — and to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Bowery Mission’s COVID-19 Health & Safety Task Force proactively followed the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, and other community partners.
Some services were temporarily moved outdoors, while others were modified to protect the health and safety of all onsite.
From the very onset of the pandemic, “to-go” meals served out the door eased the ache of hunger among New Yorkers looking for their next meal.
During March through April of 2020, The Bowery Mission saw a 40-50% increase in meals served at its flagship campus.
In a season when hygiene was critically important, The Bowery Mission acted quickly to offer outdoor hand washing stations and publicly available toilets.
The relaunch of a modified clothing and shower program provided comfort and dignity to New Yorkers with few other options for basic care.
A host of generous individuals and organizations launched innovative fundraising initiatives, including organizing a half-marathon. Their generosity helped ensure our emergency relief programs continue to serve New Yorkers in need.
The Bowery Mission’s COVID-19 Health & Safety Task Force proactively followed the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, and other community partners.
Some services were temporarily moved outdoors, while others were modified to protect the health and safety of all onsite.
From the very onset of the pandemic, “to-go” meals served out the door eased the ache of hunger among New Yorkers looking for their next meal.
During March through April of 2020, The Bowery Mission saw a 40-50% increase in meals served at its flagship campus.
In a season when hygiene was critically important, The Bowery Mission acted quickly to offer outdoor hand washing stations and publicly available toilets.
The relaunch of a modified clothing and shower program provided comfort and dignity to New Yorkers with few other options for basic care.
A host of generous individuals and organizations launched innovative fundraising initiatives, including organizing a half-marathon. Their generosity helped ensure our emergency relief programs continue to serve New Yorkers in need.
Through the faithful support of our community, The Bowery Mission sourced a steady stream of donated food, PPE, cleaning products, and other items in a time of high demand and limited supply.
Hundreds of clients sheltered safely in place, continuing their journeys to independence within the context of warm, supportive communities.
The Bowery Mission found inventive ways to give residential clients a sense of care and normalcy.
Clients were equipped with their own Zoom accounts and tablets, allowing them to feel more connected and to participate in critical services.
New Zoom Rooms provided private spaces for telehealth or telepsychiatry appointments and virtual job interviews.
Through the faithful support of our community, The Bowery Mission sourced a steady stream of donated food, PPE, cleaning products and other items in a time of high demand and limited supply.
Hundreds of clients sheltered safely in place, continuing their journeys to independence within the context of warm, supportive communities.
The Bowery Mission found inventive ways to give residential clients a sense of care and normalcy.
Clients were equipped with their own Zoom accounts and tablets, allowing them to feel more connected and to participate in critical services.
New Zoom Rooms provided private spaces for telehealth or telepsychiatry appointments and virtual job interviews.
On Thanksgiving Day 2020, The Bowery Mission served more than 1,500 meals across multiple campuses in Manhattan. The celebration looked quite different — including social distancing, sanitizing, and PPE — but each person who came to our doors still enjoyed nourishing food, caring community and unconditional love.
During dangerous CODE BLUE winter conditions, when temperatures dropped to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, The Bowery Mission kept its doors open to provide warmth and relief to neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Enrichment courses and mentoring activities were adapted to keep children safe, giving them a secure environment to maintain close relationships.
The Bowery Mission launched virtual tutoring out of an urgent need to help children who were struggling with remote learning. A host of volunteer tutors signed up to provide weekly support to children in a variety of academic subject areas.
The Bowery Mission established a relief fund for families to provide for practical needs in an uncertain time.
On Thanksgiving Day 2020, The Bowery Mission served more than 1,500 meals across multiple campuses in Manhattan. The celebration looked quite different — including social distancing, sanitizing, and PPE — but each person who came to our doors still enjoyed nourishing food, caring community and unconditional love.
During dangerous CODE BLUE winter conditions, when temperatures dropped to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below, The Bowery Mission kept its doors open to provide warmth and relief to neighbors experiencing homelessness.
Enrichment courses and mentoring activities for children were quickly transitioned online, allowing children to maintain meaningful relationships with staff.
The Bowery Mission launched virtual tutoring out of an urgent need to help children who were struggling with remote learning. A host of volunteer tutors signed up to provide weekly support to children in a variety of academic subject areas.
The Bowery Mission established a relief fund for families to provide for practical needs in an uncertain time.