Dear ,

Schools closed. Need for childcare. Lack of access to meals at school or senior centers. Fears of illness. Social distancing. Health care shortages. Job insecurity.

These are disturbing challenges that many of us face because of the COVID-19 epidemic.

But imagine how these issues are magnified for our most vulnerable neighbors cared for by Volunteers of America-Greater New York!

As you read about the services we provide below, I hope you will be inspired to send a generous gift of $100, or maybe $250, even $500 or more today to give our most vulnerable neighbors a chance during this unprecedented emergency. (Please click here to contribute now)

Think about people living in close quarters in homeless shelters.

Homeless children depending on “grab and go” school meals that are available at school, but require taking mass transit — with all its health risks — to get them.

Parents working hard to support their families with on-call jobs at restaurants that have been forced to close.

Moms and Dads who have to choose between going to work and providing care to their children whose schools have cancelled classes.

Seniors — including veterans — who get their socialization and meals at senior centers that are closed indefinitely.

Fragile individuals whose mental health and substance abuse struggles are made worse by fear of the unknown.

Sick people who are told to self-isolate at home but who lack the safety net of family and friends to bring them a meal or a book to read.

Families fleeing domestic violence who are anxious about ill relatives but who need to be in hiding to stay safe from their abusers.

For all of our clients — we are there, 24/7. Making sure that no one is hungry. Calling or knocking on a door to make sure that someone who needs to be quarantined does not feel abandoned and delivering groceries to them. Using technology to check in on a vulnerable client whose stability is threatened by this crisis. Providing accurate information to balance the fear-inducing rumors that are circulating.

Responding to this crisis requires finding resources in a budget that is already stretched by bare-bones government contracts and the city’s financial constraints.

The cost of extra services that we need to provide our clients is already upward of $100,000 and growing daily, including the cost of technology that allows us to keep in touch with clients and programs.  We do not know how long this pandemic will cripple our region and we need to be prepared so that our services are available to our clients — no matter what! 

You have always been there for our clients. We are so grateful for your support of our homeless families and individuals, veterans, people with disabilities, domestic violence survivors, seniors, and people living with HIV/AIDS.

Today we ask you to consider making an additional contribution in the amount of $100, $250, $500 or more to help fund our work for our clients in response to this unprecedented coronavirus pandemic. Please be as generous as you can.

Our most vulnerable neighbors are depending on us – and on you!

Sincerely,

P.S. Please send your gift today — and be as generous as you can. Your gift will be used to provide the services so desperately needed now and our many programs to meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Thank you!