Sidewalk Samaritan

08/24/2026

https://www.amny.com/news/homeless-new-yorkers-deaths-drop-2026/?fbclid=IwY2xjawT5q-JwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTFKcUtoSENiTXY4TmYwN2dzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeGlIX1jkWF1PVLTvkFvQip0pfwCqtFxk1_NAgyCS1C_-TUYVQ8QcAwPrW90I_aem_wmuSjp7oVQdukPVM3SGz3Q

Fewer homeless New Yorkers died in the Big Apple last year, the first decrease in the unhoused death rate in seven years, according to annual reporting

08/21/2026

Despite flash flood warnings throughout the day, Sidewalk still showed up at the Rutgers line tonight because care does not stop when the weather gets difficult. As the rain poured down, many people were surprised to see us there, but our message was simple: “If you can be out on the streets in this storm, we can be here to make sure you have what you need.”
What stood out most was the way the community looked out for one another. People made sure everyone received food from the church, and they gently pointed us toward others farther down the line who needed socks, sleeping bags, water bottles, toiletries, and other essentials. Even in the storm, there was kindness everywhere.
For Emily, the night held an even deeper meaning. It marked the anniversary of the passing of the man from 168th Street who helped inspire all this work—a reminder of why showing up matters, especially on the hardest nights.

Bombas SACK - Supporting A Community with Kindness Unite To Light The WaterWheel Foundation Phish

08/18/2026

Every Monday we take count of supplies in the Columbia emergency dept.
Thanks to the Annabelle Foundation Sunflower grant we have been able to supply shorts, Tshirts ( during summer) , sweats and sweatpants, socks, toiletries , and slides. Anyone being discharged to the street can receive fresh clothing , footwear if needed, seasonal items such as hats and gloves.

Emily takes stock Monday and refills Tuesday morning! She brought extra items today having seen last night the shelves were empty!
bombas S.A.C.K The WaterWheel Foundation The Annabelle Foundation Columbia Public Health

08/17/2026

On another sweltering New York day, Sidewalk was back at St. John’s Church with our incredible volunteers, handing out clothing, underwear, socks, and toiletries, sleeping bags and more.
While our posts often show the handout itself, today we want to honor the heart behind it: the volunteers who give their time, energy, and care long before the first item is handed out.
Karen, for example, spends days packing supplies, drives hours to and from handouts, and remembers the people we serve — their sizes, their needs, and the extra care that helps them feel seen.
What began as one woman showing up on the streets of New York has grown into a true pay-it-forward movement because of every person who stands in the heat, listens, helps, and chooses compassion again and again.
To everyone who has volunteered, continues to show up, or feels that spark to make a difference — thank you. You are the reason Sidewalk keeps showing up.
You are the reason this work reaches further than one person ever could. And you are proof that love, when put into action, can move through a city one handout, one conversation, and one human connection at a time.

To the community: As the new school year begins, we’re asking our community for you old, gently used backpacks in decent condition!

Bombas
Timberland Long Trail School
Korres Athens

08/15/2026

Prepping for a handout day tomorrow rain or shine !

08/14/2026

08/13/2026

After a long day at work, Emily headed out onto the sidewalks of Broadway with one simple goal: to say hello, offer care, and make sure our neighbors settling in for the night knew they were seen.
With a large Hulken bag packed with sleeping bags, socks, toiletry kits, wipes, solar chargers, water bottles, and McDonald’s cards, she walked from 72nd Street to 96th Street looking for anyone who might need support.
Along the way, she saw Ethan and his cat. Ethan spends his time cleaning cigarette butts and needles from the sidewalk near the station, so animals do not get hurt. She also met a young man who had been injured the night before and, after talking with him, helped him agree to receive medical attention.
One of the most heartwarming moments came while Emily was helping three men who call themselves “the 3 musketeers.” They collect bottles during the day and look out for one another at night. As Emily spoke with them, an older woman on her way home stopped to ask about Sidewalk. Before realizing Emily spoke French, she began speaking in French and said, “I can sleep well tonight knowing there are mitzvahs—good deeds—happening outside.”
That is what Sidewalk is about: showing up, listening, offering what we can, and reminding our neighbors that they are not alone.

Hulken Bombas Unite To Light Phish

08/09/2026

At Sidewalk, our work has never been about counting numbers—it’s about showing up for people. Whether it’s during Sunday handouts or out on the street side, our goal is simply to help anyone in need with compassion and consistency. Emily was looking back at the handouts we’ve done since the new year, and we were truly humbled and proud to see the impact of 77 handouts since January 1, 2026. Thank you to EVERYONE who has supported, donated, volunteered, shared, encouraged, or believed in this work. Your kindness helps make every handout possible, and we are so grateful.

❤️🌎

08/07/2026

What makes a hot, steamy evening in NYC meaningful?
Showing up for our neighbors. Sidewalk was out at Rutgers for our Thursday handout, sharing socks, clothing for anyone who needed a fresh change, toiletry packs thanks to Waterwheel, beautiful soap sacks, water bottles to help beat the heat, solar chargers, and sleeping bags. Even in the sweltering weather, Emily was struck by the kindness of the men and women we met—many were more concerned about making sure she was drinking water than about themselves. One moment stayed with her: an older man wearing a veteran’s hat, newly on the streets, shared that he had served for 20 years. He had not yet gone to the VA for help with housing because he felt embarrassed that someone with his experience could end up unhoused.
After a long, heartfelt conversation (also being warned of his sniper skills) he agreed to meet Emily on Monday so they could go together and get him connected to support. These are the moments that remind us why showing up matters.

The WaterWheel Foundation Phish Bombas Unite To Light SACK - Supporting A Community with Kindness

❤️ ☀️

08/06/2026

It’s a code red day in nyc due to the heat, we will be handing out supplies this evening at one of the food locations!