Dear Friends,

I hope this message finds you well. Since 2018, helpNYC has been on a meaningful journey, connecting underserved New Yorkers with low-barrier services across the city. It has been an incredible experience, and we're reaching out to share an important update with you.

Our dedicated team has assisted over 300,000 New Yorkers, providing relevant, accurate, and verified information about public health programs and social services. It's been a privilege to serve our community in this capacity.

With a mix of emotions, I'd like to inform you that the helpNYC Corporation Board of Directors has decided to temporarily suspend operations, effective at the end of business on February 29, 2024. Until then, we'll be winding down our advocacy activities, outreach events, and the helpNYC.info Resource Navigator program.

This decision wasn't made lightly, and we understand the impact it has on many New Yorkers, direct service providers, and our partner organizations. The Board has faced challenges in identifying viable revenue and funding sources, leading to a struggle to sustain our projects and programs.

As we navigate this transition, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you to our incredible volunteers, wise advisors, partner organizations, government officials, dedicated patrons, and funders.

Most importantly, with deep gratitude, we thank underserved New Yorkers who have trusted us to be a source of hope.

This isn't a goodbye; it's a "see you later!" The work of helpNYC is far from over. As we close this chapter, the Board is committed to building resilience and capacity, to reopen sustainably and more effectively in the future.

It has truly been an honor to serve alongside each of you, and we deeply appreciate your continued support as we embark on this new journey forward. Your belief in our mission has been instrumental, and we are excited about what the future holds for helpNYC.

Sincerely,

J. RueMel Parkin, Founder & Chair

Board of Directors, helpNYC Corporation

Contact Rue

Join the helpNYC Mailing List to get updates about helpNYC's New Chapter.

Updates from helpNYC

A New Chapter for helpNYC

The founder of the helpNYC Corporation announces the temporary suspension of operations, effective February 29, 2024, in a heartfelt letter to the helpNYC constituents and community members.

Read the Letter

Advocates Arrested in Support of Overdose Prevention Centers in New York, 1/9

ALBANY, NEW YORK - Advocates and activists for the authorization of Overdose Prevention Centers in New York State challenged Governor Kathy Hochul's annual “State of the State” address by organizing a protest and rally at the New York State Capitol complex in Albany on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

Read the Media Alert

helpNYC Remembers New Yorkers Who Died Due to Homelessness on LinkNYC Kiosks Across New York City

Leading homeless service organizations, community organizers, advocates, and New Yorkers directly impacted by homelessness are bringing awareness to the plight of unhoused New Yorkers on the longest night of the year, December 21, 2023, to memorialize the New Yorkers who have lost their lives due to homelessness during the 2023 Annual Homeless New Yorkers Week of Remembrance, December 18-21, 2023.

Read the Press Release

IOAD 2023: helpNYC joins Housing Works in Advocating for Overdose Prevention Centers

On International Overdose Awareness Day 2023, helpNYC joins Housing Works to advocate for the authorization of Overdose Prevention Centers in New York.

Read the Announcement | Rally & March Information

LinkNYC, NYC Office of Emergency Management, and helpNYC Partner to Protect New Yorkers from Extreme Heat

helpNYC announces a partnership with the NYC Office of Emergency Management and LinkNYC to protect New Yorkers from extreme temperatures whenever the City’s heat advisory program, “Code Red,” is activated.

Read the Press Release | Visit the Summer In New York section of the helpNYC.info Resource Navigator.

Community Leaders Call for the Rapid Deployment of Link5G Smart Poles in New York’s Underserved Neighborhoods

The digital divide in New York City is being called out by helpNYC, a nonprofit that advocates for lower barriers to entry-level services that underserved communities depend on in New York City. Rue Parkin, helpNYC’s Executive Director, joined the chorus of voices at a recent New York City Council Committee on Technology hearing to encourage the Council to champion the rapid deployment of LinkNYC’s new Link5G smart poles that will bring 5G connectivity and free high-speed Wi-Fi internet access to all neighborhoods across New York City.

Read the Press Release | Sign the Letter

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