Reach out to New York's homeless population and help them help themselves!

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One of New York City's largest and most comprehensive social services agencies, BRC serves men and women who are homeless, or at risk of becoming so, most of whom suffer from mental illness, substance addiction, or a combination. BRC gives our clients the knowledge and skills to stay sober and healthy and the sense of responsibility and value to find and maintain a home--in other words, the means to achieve permanent independence. BRC helps these neediest New Yorkers overcome the challenges of addiction, physical and mental illness, and poverty, and improves life in the community.

Project Rescue Mobile Outreach is BRC's citywide outreach program for homeless individuals living on the streets and in other unstable situations. Project Rescue is the most extensive outreach program in New York City covering all of Manhattan 24 hours a day, 7 days per week in vans, on bicycles and on foot. Project Rescue Mobile Outreach engages homeless individuals with the goal of assessing each individual's situation and needs and providing each client with an accessible doorway to services they need. Clients are afforded referral, transportation and placement at the resource deemed most beneficial to the individual, and each is treated with respect, professionalism and informed guidance.

The Outreach Team encounters many individuals that are reluctant to use services or have found the available resources unmanageable and overwhelming. These clients are provided with counseling, information and advocacy in pursuing services, rights and resources. Every individual engaged by Project Rescue is given the opportunity to access the services most suited to their needs. Outreach Workers utilize every available resource, including BRC programs such as the Chemical Dependency Crisis Center, the Reception Center and the Project Rescue Drop-in Center. They can also refer clients to other shelters, drop-in centers, drug and alcohol treatment, psychiatric and medical facilities, job training centers and entitlement offices.

Normally a staff-only position, volunteers are now needed to help us continue in our Outreach efforts through our soon-to-be launched Auxiliary Team. All teams will be Manhattan based, specifically located in those areas with the highest need. Hours are in the evenings from 7pm-9:30pm or in the mornings from 8am-10:30am.

This is the perfect opportunity for friends or co-workers who want to get involved together because teams will be comprised of a minimum of three individuals per shift, with a maximum of four to five each.

Please note that in order to insure the success of this project, we do ask for an initial weekly commitment for three months.