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Whether you trekked to work this morning through the gross brown slush, or just left the house to run to the bodega and back, you couldn't have failed to notice how cold and grim it is in the city today—and it's only going to get colder. Temperatures tomorrow may dip to 10 degrees, with freezing winds that will make it feel like (brace yourself) minus-10. New York's Office of Emergency Management has even issued a warning that runs through tomorrow night, forecasting "dangerously frigid temperatures and life-threatening wind chill." Can you imagine being homeless in NYC in conditions like this? If you'd like to help your fellow New Yorkers, you can make a donation to one of the city's excellent organizations to help the homeless. Here's our roundup of five of the best, with quick donation links.
Bowery Mission
Founded in 1879, this venerable organization aims to transform the lives of homeless people caught in the cycle of poverty. The Mission provides food, shelter and clothing, and also offers recovery programs and a free medical clinic.
Make a donation
Coalition for the Homeless
The coalition hands out baby formula, work uniforms and school supplies, as well as 1,000 emergency meals per night to those in need. It also hosts an eviction-prevention program that awards rent grants to families on the brink of homelessness and a youth sleepaway camp.
Make a donation
Common Ground
Based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, with sites all over the city, this mission is founded on a housing model that supports individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, with an emphasis on building community.
Make a donation
MCCNY
Working with the Metropolitan Community Church of NYC, Sylvia's Place in Hell's Kitchen is a base for homeless LGBTQI youth in crisis, providing emergency overnight shelter, hot meals and showers, as well as case-management and long-term housing.
Make a donation
New York City Rescue Mission
As one of the city’s oldest missions, it’s given food, clothing and shelter to Gothamites since 1872. These days, the NYCRM also has training programs to bulk up people’s job skills and experience, and is always looking for tutors for adults and children.
Make a donation
For an extensive overview of organizations supporting homeless people in New York City, view our list of where to volunteer in NYC.