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Volunteers of America

Founded in 1896, Volunteers of America, Inc. (VOA) is a national, faith-based human services organization and one of the Department of Homeless Services' (DHS) valued non-profit providers. VOA currently operates 15 shelters and other housing programs in partnership with DHS, providing temporary, emergency shelter for households who are working to return to self-sufficiency.

As it continues to carry out its mission 120 years later, VOA preserves its reputation as one of the largest and most respected social services organizations in the country, helping more than 2 million individuals in need each year in over 400 communities in 46 states.

Serving as the largest affiliate, Volunteers of America-Greater New York (VOA-GNY) administers more than 90 programs, with more than 1,200 professional staff members providing services in all five boroughs of New York City, Northern New Jersey, the Mid-Hudson region and Long Island. This year, tens of thousands of people, including families and individuals experiencing homelessness, will be assisted by its skilled and dedicated staff, and by thousands of caring volunteers and corporate partners. VOA serves many of the City's most vulnerable populations including:

  • Homeless Individuals and Families
  • Adults with Intellectual Disabilities
  • Children with Developmental Delays
  • Families Coping with Domestic Violence
  • At-risk Youth and Young Adults
  • People Living with HIV/AIDS
  • Veterans
  • At-risk Older Adults
  • Adults Living with Behavioral Health Issues
  • People with Substance Use Disorders

Operation Backpack®

Each year, VOA-GNY conducts Operation Backpack®, a campaign to ensure that children in City shelters have the school supplies they need on the first day of classes. Through collaboration with DHS and the New York City Department of Education (DOE), the support of more than 150 corporate and community partners, and the dedication of countless individuals, VOA-GNY was able to ensure that 19,400 students received brand new, filled backpacks in time for the start of school last year.

Getting Involved

VOA-GNY has a variety of individual and corporate volunteer opportunities and other ways to donate their time and talent to help those in need.

Learn more about Volunteers of America - Greater New York
Call: (212) 873-2600

Volunteers of America - Greater New York can also be found on Facebook and Twitter