Sidewalk Samaritan

As the weather warms, more people are asking for the simple things many of us take for granted: sandals, shorts, T-shirts, and basic hygiene items. At the request of several men, Emily special-ordered deodorant in bulk. Their reason was heartbreaking—they did not want to be seen only as “a smelly, homeless person” sitting on the sidewalk. Sunscreen was another request. One man explained that a medical condition causes him to burn easily while he panhandles and sleeps outdoors. Another man quietly pulled Emily aside to tell her about a woman waiting in line for food who was too embarrassed to ask for the clothing she desperately needed. We had recently received a large bag of women’s clothing from one of Emily’s coworkers, and when Emily showed the woman a few shirts and pants, she sat down and began to cry, asking, “Why do you care so much?” Sidewalk has always been about paying it forward, but moments like these remind us that every person we meet gives something back to us, too—through their honesty, their vulnerability, and the privilege of being trusted with their stories.

Bombas SACK - Supporting A Community with Kindness

Huge thanks to Brigit for being such an incredible partner with Sidewalk since 2024! From assembling toiletry and feminine hygiene kits to organizing coat collections, their team has shown up with generosity and heart time and time again.
Most recently, after hosting a nonprofit casino night, Hello Brigit chose Sidewalk as the recipient of their employee-selected donation. Their generous gift helped us bulk order shorts to hand out during the summer heat.
We’re so grateful for their continued support and the difference they make in our community. Thank you, Brigit! 💙

Brigit

On my way to count the emergency room supplies we keep stocked for nurses to give to anyone homeless being discharged. Outside the door to the ED was a man who was homeless passed out, shirt over his head. I tried to wake him up with no luck, ran in and told them they needed a stretcher outside. Nurse saw me after to let me know he was in the middle of a heart attack, luckily I stopped. Hope he is ok, asked the nurse to give him some clean clothes from the closet , socks and more .

On my way to count the emergency room supplies we keep stocked. Outside the door to the ED was a man who was homeless passed out, shirt over his head. I tried to wake him up with no luck, ran in and told them they needed a stretcher outside. Nurse saw me after to let me know he was in the middle of a heart attack, luckily I stopped. Hope he is ok, asked the nurse to give him some clean clothes from the closet

Today, Sidewalk was out along Broadway, from 72nd Street past 116th, for a streetside handout. The air was full of energy, lifted by the city’s celebration of the Knicks’ win, and that sense of joy carried through the day.
As Emily met people sitting and sleeping outdoors, “Go Knicks!” was often the first response—a small but powerful reminder that even in hardship, people still reach for connection, joy, and a shared moment. She carried socks, soap sacks, underwear, T-shirts, deodorant, refillable water bottles, McDonald’s gift cards or protein shakes, cooling station handouts, and sleeping bags.
Emily is always moved by the kindness of people who have so little. Again and again, the men and women she met turned their concern toward someone else farther down the block. One man, overjoyed to receive a sleeping bag, hurried back with a younger man who needed one as well. One was sleeping in the park after leaving a shelter; the other was newly on the streets after being kicked out of home.
Emily also came upon a woman lying on the hot sidewalk who was non-coherent, and EMS was called so she could receive the help she needed.

Forty-four blocks later, more than 30 people had received supplies that brought comfort, dignity, and relief.

Bombas SACK - Supporting A Community with Kindness KORRES Timberland

A break down of data and numbers of NYC Homeless, shelters etc https://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/state-of-the-homeless-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSVifhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFaU2ZKQVk2WktnQmtOWnJKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHkV3rbaWwUmFsvaJGWqIXLORFWcBEfCoBZEvmuEsu1rIaJD-6TO6v3JxVzZR_aem_e_xCooHofYt85RMD8XV5YA -magnitude

State of the Homeless 2026 - Coalition For The Homeless State of the Homeless 2026: A Crisis Inherited, A Choice Ahead focuses on the four years of Mayor Eric Adams’ administration, which saw an overall increase in homelessness in New York City. This is reflected most starkly in the historically high number of people sleeping each night in the municipa...

cooling stations are open due to expected heat!
Know how to find them
https://finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters/

Despite the heat on Sunday, we were grateful to have a wonderful group of volunteers at St. John’s. Karen had packed the car with clothing, socks, underwear, toiletries, and specialty items like shoes, sleeping bags, and shorts. Just after we packed up, one of our regulars, Jean, came to us in soiled clothes after being discharged from the hospital with very little. Even with everything already put away, Karen found him clean clothes, socks, shoes, and a sleeping bag, and Emily and Karen gave him privacy and support as he changed. Before he left, Emily also made sure he had a McDonald’s gift card so he could get out of the heat, have a meal, and leave feeling more comfortable and cared for. We are thankful to the many who help make moments like this possible.

Bombas KORRES The Un**es Project Inc. Timberland

Prepping for handouts this weekend.
Feels like not so long ago we were racing around to try and get cold weather gear (thermals, gloves, hats) out for people to avoid frostbite and get through the winter !
Now we are in the 90s so giving out water bottles, info on cooling stations, shorts etc.

We apply for grants and approach companies for bulk donations and they look at our social media involvement SO with that in mind please know that by "following" us here and/or Instagram, YOU play a key role as THAT is what helps us get the grants for another season!