Help Serve New York City's Homeless this Holiday Season

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NOTE: ALL SHIFTS ON CHRISTMAS EVE & DAY ARE NOW BOOKED TO CAPACITY, AS ARE SEVERAL OTHER PLANNED EVENTS IN THE DAYS PRIOR. THE ONLY REMAINING ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE ARE SELECT PRE-HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS AND MEALS ON DECEMBER 21.

One of New York City's largest and most comprehensive social services agencies, Bowery Residents' Committee (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.

We are committed in our mission to help the homeless of New York City and are always happy to hear from others who have the same passion and desire to make a difference. Volunteers are critical in allowing us to continue in our work; we absolutely value our volunteers' dedication and hope you contact us this holiday season.

We have multiple locations throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn (see below) that will be serving meals and providing various celebrations to our clients & residents around the Christmas holiday, both on the day itself, as well Eve, and in the days prior. If you are interested, in order to receive an assignment, all volunteers must complete our New Volunteer Registration form in advance ( http://www.brc.org/volunteer-registration ). Once received, you will receive an invitation to our next scheduled orientation so you can learn more about BRC, what we do within the community and how you can help. Please be aware that attendance to one orientation is mandatory in order to receive an assignment.

When completing your form at the link provided above, please make sure that you do emphasize your interest in "HOLIDAY SERVICE" so that we can be sure to include you in those communications. Further, our next available seasonally specific orientation sessions are the following; all will be held at BRC's administrative offices on 25th Street. You only need attend one; please email in advance:

• Thursday, December 14, 6pm to 7pm
• Sunday, December 17, 12pm to 1pm

As you can see from the very short list of available shifts noted below, we do have a handful of shifts available at pre-holiday celebrations, however we are at capacity for Christmas day. Please take a moment to review what is open, and select a volunteer shift day, time and location. I can hold that spot, thus guaranteeing you the opportunity to volunteer, provided you do attend the orientation previously mentioned.

Note: Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age or older to participate. Some locations do have very limited availability for those individuals that are high school age. All minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, with prior written consent.

2017 PRE-CHRISTMAS ACTIVITIES, EVENTS & MEALS

Program Name: BRC HomePlus
Location: Hosted at Delancey Street near Chrystie Street
# Volunteer Positions Remaining: 1
Time: 4pm to 7pm
Date: Thursday, December 21
Task: Volunteers are needed for set-up, meal service, as well as stay for post dinner clean-up.

Program Name: BRC Men’s Assessment Shelter
Location: Clay Street at McGuiness Blvd, Greenpoint, Brooklyn
# Volunteer Positions Remaining: 2
Time: 11am to 2:30pm
Date: Thursday, December 21
Task: Volunteers are needed for set-up, meal service in two shifts (12-1 & 1-2), as well as stay for post dinner clean-up.

Program Name: Cecil Ivory House
Location: 132nd Street between 7th Avenue and Lenox
# Volunteer Positions Remaining: 2
Time: 2pm to 6pm
Date: Thursday, December 21
Task: Volunteers are needed to help with meal preparation, dining room set-up, decorating and dinner service, socializing and post dinner clean-up.

Program Name: Casa de los Vecinos
Location: 91 Pitt Street just south of East Houston
# Volunteer Positions Remaining: 2
Time: 2pm to 7pm
Date: Thursday, December 21
Task: Volunteers are needed to help with meal preparation, dining room set-up, decorating and dinner service, socializing and post dinner clean-up.

If you would like more information, please feel free to contact our Director of Volunteer Services, Rick Akin, at 212-803-5720 or via email at rakin@brc.org

Many thanks in advance and happy holidays!