Counting the Uncounted

Thank you to the group of 40 Robin Hood staff, volunteers, donors and friends who participated in last night’s Homeless Outreach Population Estimate.  Armed with hats, hand-warmers, maps, pens, and clipboards, teams walked streets, public parks, and subway platforms on the west side of Manhattan surveying individuals about their housing status.

Of the many people surveyed, over 100 people were counted as homeless in the blocks canvassed by the Robin Hood teams. One team encountered a pregnant woman and her husband living in 23rd Street A/C subway station and connected them with a family shelter where they would not be separated.

A Robin Hood-staffer who experienced her first HOPE Count last night said, “In the most tactile and clearest way, it brings you face-to-face with poverty in the city.”

Last night’s experience provided a new perspective on our fellow citizens who are trying survive in New York City each day.

We need to close a $3.6 million gap to get a $20 million matching grant by December 31st. 1.8 million New Yorkers living in poverty need your help: http://bit.ly/HelpRH

The Robin Hood community is getting into the holiday spirit by participating in our Adopt-A-Family program. Generous donors, friends and Robin Hood staff, have bought, sent or otherwise committed to purchasing gifts for over 150 clients of Robin Hood grantees: Sanctuary for Families, POTS, and C.E.O.

Also, 99 families from Einstein’s Early Childhood Center will have a gift to give to their children this holiday season thanks to these efforts. And, last week, the Robin Hood teen council wrapped over 100 brand new gifts – generously donated by Derek Jeter – for the Doe Fund.  

Thanks to everyone who has helped make this holiday season special for so many deserving people.   

Show your friends, family and New Yorkers in need that you care.

Through the purchase of vineyard vines® ties and totes with the signature Robin Hood archer, an emerald green robin hood votive from glassybaby and Robin Hood’s customizable holiday cards, you can help those who need it most.  A donation from each purchase will support the nearly 200 programs and services funded by Robin Hood that are dedicated to fighting poverty. 

Robin Hood cheering section helping NYC marathoners push past the 20th Mile at 135 street in the Bronx.

Three Robin Hood staffers are running in the ING New York City marathon on Sunday as part of Team Robin Hood.  Meet Jessica and support Team Robin Hood.

Robin Hood: How long have you worked at Robin Hood?

Jessica: Almost one year.  I joined right after last year’s marathon.

RH: What is your role at Robin Hood?  

Jessica: I am part of the development team.  I work in Donor Data & Analytics.

RH: How long have you been training?

Jessica: I started training in the middle of August – just about 12 weeks.

RH: Have you ever run a marathon before?  If not, what’s the most you’ve run so far?  

Jessica: This will be my third marathon; second in NYC!

RH: What has been the hardest part of training?

Jessica: The hardest parts were training through those hot, humid summer days; and then getting a bad cold as soon as cold weather struck, which sidelined me for about a week.

RH: Is anyone coming to cheer you on at the race?  

Jessica: Yes!  My husband will be out there following me along the course, a bunch of friends will be scattered throughout the five boroughs and some people who live far away will be there in spirit and tracking me online.