As we approach the end of the year, we would like to extend our deepest gratitude for all of your support, which has allowed us to do so much more for our clients. This year’s highlights include:
- 10,558 individuals were served through Nazareth Housing’s Housing Stability Support Program (HSSP)
- 937 tax returns were prepared and filed at no cost through our free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinic, an increase of 28% from 2023
- 425 families are fed each week through Lousie’s Pantry
- 44 families (60 adults and 37 children) remained safely housed in our supportive family housing
For many low-income families, the joy of the holiday season is often overshadowed by financial strain as they face difficult choices between celebrating the season or meeting essential needs. With the rising cost of living and stagnant wages, the individuals and families we support are finding it increasingly challenging to make ends meet. During these often-overlooked moments of financial strain, we support our clients in using Nazareth Housing and community resources – empowering them to build pathways out of poverty and achieve stable housing.
Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner Was More Than Just a Meal
On Tuesday, November 26th, we hosted our annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, welcoming 71 households—148 guests, including 59 children and 89 adults. The evening was filled with warmth, love, and a shared sense of community. The next morning, one of our attendees sent a heartfelt email to our chief program officer, expressing her deep gratitude for Nazareth Housing:
“Thank you so much for everything and including us in the Thanksgiving dinner. This year has been a tough one for my family. I’m making the most money I’ve ever made but also paying the highest rent and bills I’ve ever paid in my life. There are times when I have to choose between paying a bill and buying groceries. My family was found ineligible for SNAP, which had been our last hope for additional assistance and being able to buy groceries for Thanksgiving. So when you called about the Thanksgiving dinner it was such a relief. Thank you for always thinking of us.”
Her heartfelt message was a powerful reminder that our annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner was more than a meal—it was a beacon of hope and a source of relief for families facing tough choices between basic necessities like food and bills. The event underscored the vital role Nazareth Housing’s programs play in supporting and uplifting our community during difficult times.
Your Impact
Our programs are dedicated to helping low-income New Yorkers build futures filled with hope and opportunity. Every contribution, regardless of size, enables us to address the crises that individuals face and support them through the highs and lows of financial strain. With your gift, we can make an even greater impact.