Don't Walk By: Helping New York's Unhoused Neighbors

A Crisis at Historic Levels

The impact of this crisis is far-reaching. Each night, more than 63,000 New Yorkers sleep in shelters, including approximately 23,000 children. Thousands more—around 4,000 people—sleep on the streets. Homeless individuals are at higher risk of chronic illnesses, mental health challenges, and substance abuse disorders. They also face heightened dangers of violence and exploitation.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the city has taken action, allocating $4.1 billion—3.8% of its total proposed budget—to combat homelessness. In January 2025, Mayor Eric Adams announced an additional $650 million investment over the next five years to address street homelessness and mental illness. However, the crisis continues to impact New Yorkers of all ages, including thousands of families struggling to find stable housing. Among them are school-aged children, whose education and well-being are directly affected by housing insecurity—1 in 8 public school students in NYC experienced homelessness during the 2022-2023 school year.

Stepping Up: The Role of Rescue Alliance

While government initiatives provide essential resources, faith-based and nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in addressing immediate needs and building long-term solutions. That’s where Rescue Alliance comes in.

Rescue Alliance is a coalition of organizations—including City Relief, The Bowery Mission, and The Salvation Army—that provides direct assistance to New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. One of their most impactful initiatives is Don’t Walk By, an annual winter outreach event that connects unhoused individuals with hot meals, winter supplies, medical care, shelter, and other critical services.

Don’t Walk By 2025: Making an Impact

Now in its eighteenth year, Don’t Walk By took place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, bringing together volunteers, outreach teams, and service providers to offer both immediate support and long-term solutions to those experiencing homelessness. This year’s event saw 298 street engagements and observations, reflecting the immense need for direct outreach in our city.

The event welcomed 287 guests for onsite intakes, each of whom was offered personalized support. Some individuals needed emergency assistance—one guest was transported to the hospital for medical care beyond our onsite capacity, while six guests were provided overnight hospitality by The Bowery Mission. Another individual took a significant step toward recovery by entering The Salvation Army's Adult Rehabilitation Center program, a crucial pathway for those seeking long-term stability.

A warm meal can be the first step toward rebuilding trust and connection. At this year’s Don’t Walk By, 166 guests sat for dinner, sharing a meal in a welcoming environment. Beyond food, tangible resources were distributed to those in need, with 231 guests receiving fulfilled backpack orders containing essential winter supplies—though this number may continue to rise as final tallies come in.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of 251 volunteers, whose commitment to serving their neighbors made the event a success. Each conversation, meal served, and backpack distributed is a step toward lasting change.

The Role of the Social Service Response Program (SSRP)

At the core of Don’t Walk By is the Social Service Response Program (SSRP), which ensures that this outreach is more than just a single-day event. Unlike one-time interactions, SSRP operates year-round, maintaining a presence in the lives of those experiencing homelessness and ensuring that no one is left without ongoing support.

How You Can Help

The fight against homelessness requires collective action. You can make a difference by:

• Volunteering for Don’t Walk By or other outreach events.
• Donating supplies or funds to support Rescue Alliance initiatives.
• Spreading awareness about the realities of homelessness in NYC.

Together, we can work toward a city where no one is left behind. Join us in making a difference.

For more information on Don’t Walk By and how you can get involved, visit Rescue Alliance’s website.