A Call to Generosity in Times of Crisis
So far this year, we've covered a lot—starting with the criminalization of homelessness and, most recently, exploring the intersection of autism and housing insecurity. If you missed any of those emails, you can catch up on them here.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, but the topic is way too big to cover in just five Fridays, so I will start next week and dive deeper into the connection between mental health and homelessness through June. For now, I'm pressing pause on the usual themes to talk briefly—and honestly—about something sensitive: money.
I began this work as a self-funded "missionary" in 2010. Relying on friends and family to support my salary at City Relief was humbling to say the least. Asking for money feels like begging, and "begging" carries stigma. That stigma is projected not only onto people panhandling in the street but also onto anyone who has the audacity to ask for help.
In our society, we glorify self-reliance. But the truth is, none of us thrives alone. We each have different capacities, and solving deep challenges like homelessness requires collective effort. That's why generosity matters—especially now.
Charitable giving is declining. In 2022, we saw the biggest drop in a decade: a 10.5% decrease after inflation. Meanwhile, the need has only grown. Costs are rising. Wages aren't keeping up. And many families are just one emergency away from a crisis.
Next week, on May 8th, City Relief is hosting our biggest fundraiser of the year—a cocktail reception at Carmine's in Times Square. Our goal: to launch a new weekly outreach in Newark, expand services in NYC and Paterson, and invest in staff, volunteers, and training. If you're not in the area, our silent auction will be available online for anyone who wants to participate.
I know you may not live in New York. I know times are tight. But I'm asking—boldly and humbly—for you to consider joining us or donating. Whether it's to City Relief or a local nonprofit in your area, your generosity matters. It says we still believe in each other. And when one of us gives, others follow.
If you've never donated, this might be the perfect time to start. If you've been giving—thank you. You're helping build the kind of world I believe God imagined from the beginning.
With Gratitude,
Josiah Haken
City Relief, CEO
