How to help a homeless person in NYC?

[MannyGoldstein]

I'm visiting my dad in Greenwich Village, there's a homeless woman on University between 8th and 9th who I recall being there for several months. Obviously fairly mentally ill, looks likes she's in rough shape now.

It ain't right. She needs help.

In my Boston I'd have an idea of how to navigate this, but what to do in NYC? Any thoughts would be deeply appreciated.

[marym625]

1. recing for exposure

Don't know if this will help at all. I live in Chicago. But maybe they can point you in the right direction

http://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/cgi-bin/id/city.cgi?city=Manhattan&state=NY

[MannyGoldstein]

3. Thanks. I'll give that a try unless a local chimes in.

It's so sad and maddening. People have become disposable.

[marym625]

5. yes, they have

So much is going on in this country that just is so wrong. So sad

[choie]

2. Hi Manny

If you want immediate info, I would call 311 in New York City. If you're still in NYC tomorrow, you can contact the following agencies:

Coalition for the Homeless [phone]

Project Renewal [phone] (I believe they have a van that goes around the city helping people who are homeless)

There's also Bowery Mission (they are a faith based org and also have vans going around the city) [phone]

Choie

[MannyGoldstein]

4. I expect she'll be OK (in a relative sense) overnight

It's not a good neighborhood, not scary. I'd hate for, say, the cops to show up and hassle her - I haven't dealt with NYC cops in some years but they haven't made a positive impression on me through the media recently!

Do you have experience with any of these agencies/organizations?

[choie]

8. Yes,

I'm a social worker and have worked with each one of them - they are all good agencies and they have a lot of experience caring for people who are homeless and mentally ill. They will provide her with shelter and food and assess her for other needs, such as psychiatric services. If you tell them where she is, I believe they will send over a van.

[MannyGoldstein]

11. Thanks a ton!

I'll try tomorrow AM.

[choie]

12. You're very welcome....

glad to help one of my favorite DUers!!! Were you able to get in touch with anybody today?

[MannyGoldstein]

13. They all referred me to 311

I was out of NYC by the time I could call, but the last people I spoke to (BRC, who I was referred to by Project Renewal) said they'd call for me since 311 won't work outside of the city.

I don't know if you'd be so kind as to call 311 also so I can feel confident that it gets done - if you do, she's on University between 8th and 9th on the west side of the street. Been there for a few months, but seems to be in rough shape and more mentally impaired. I gave her some nuts and chips, my dad's been giving here a few bucks, but that's (obviously) not what's needed.

[choie]

14. BRC was another agency

I was going to recommend. Did they say why they were suggesting that you call 311? Wouldn't 311 then refer you to those agencies? Of course, I will give 311 a call. Just to clarify - is she an older woman?

[MannyGoldstein]

15. Younger, probably 20s or 30s

I asked, Project Renewal said 311 would refer to BRC, so I figured I'd "cut out the middle man" and call BRC myself... But then BRC also told me to call 311. BRC did ask if she was outside or inside (e.g., a train station), that seemed to be of some importance to them.

Goddess bless you for working with the needy. So many need help, and we live in society that seems to grow colder, colder.

[choie]

16. Thanks, Manny

I will call 311 tomorrow and let you know what happens. I don't know why these organizations gave you the runaround, but that's the system, I guess...

[choie]

17. Hey Manny

Just wanted to update you. I contacted 311 yesterday and they said they were going to contact somebody to visit her. i'm hoping it's BRC because they are a decent org - they offer all kinds of programs and a residence as well.

[MannyGoldstein]

18. Thanks a ton!

So sad to see... so many walk by, NYU students, and a lot of Wall Streeters live nearby. She's considered no differently than a discarded bottle, at least it seems so by virtually everyone acts that way as they pass her.

[PoliticAverse]

6. Give them some good food. n/t

[MannyGoldstein]

7. Any thoughts on what's best?

Sandwich? Granola bar? Fruit?

I'd ask her but she's not coherent.

[PoliticAverse]

9. Basic tuna sandwich or hamburger? n/t

[840high]

10. and something to drink.