Let It Begin With Me



Guanita is one of the 46,000 homeless people, more than 19,000 of them children, who sleep in the city’s shelter system every night – 30% more than only five years ago. But now, Care for the Homeless is helping Guanita find shelter…and hope.
After a series of medical setbacks, including multiple surgeries on her foot, Guanita’s medical expenses became too great and she was unable to pay her rent.  
She ended up seeking shelter through public assistance, moving from shelter to shelter in New York. After a heart attack forced her into an extended hospital stay and ultimately to Susan’s Place, the 200-bed shelter for medically frail and mentally ill women that Care for the Homeless operates in the Bronx. Guanita was in need of a medically capable facility and the clinic at Susan’s Place was a perfect solution. 
“I feel more confident,” Guanita said about being at Susan’s Place. “It’s better having a clinic here. Since I’ve come here, I haven’t had as many problems. I appreciate the staff here because they’re very calm. They know how to speak to people. The building is nice and clean and the people are very conscientious. It’s good.”
Care for the Homeless addresses a unique aspect of homelessness: healthcare. Our healthcare teams deliver services at more than 35 New York City sites including soup kitchens, SROs, family shelters, drop-in centers and street outreach programs.  Services include primary health care, oral health and health education services, as well as a full range of social services including mental health evaluation, substance abuse and alcohol counseling and case management.  In 2011, CFH served 9,726 distinct homeless men, women and children.
This holiday season, you can provide peace of mind to homeless men, women and children by supporting the work of Care for the Homeless. Give the gift of health care to Guanita and so many like her. Let it begin with us.

TO DONATE, CLICK HERE.

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