Sidewalk Samaritan

After a beautiful streetside Saturday handout, Emily took time to reflect on Sidewalk’s growth since it was founded in April 2018.
What started as one person giving out a few collected socks at one train station has grown into a rotation of handouts: Sundays at a men’s shelter, a women’s shelter, and the ever-consistent St. John the Divine; weekdays at Refettorio Harlem and Rutgers Church; and streetside walks along Broadway and the Columbia medical student clinics and, supplying the emergency dept. With a dedicated group of volunteers, we go where we’re needed and have built relationships with so many people we’ve been fortunate to meet along the way. What was once a few socks at a time has become a full supply of clothing, toiletries, winter coats, shoes for the popular “shoe day,” sleeping bags, and more. Thank you to everyone we’ve met along this journey—donors, receivers, and all those who have helped make this a true “pay it forward” experience for so many.

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On a bright, sunny Saturday, Sidewalk Samaritan went out to distribute street side essentials, beginning at 59th Street and Columbus Circle, where many people lay sleeping in the open sun. We offered socks, soap sacks, and sleeping bags to those without basic protection. While speaking with one man, we witnessed a sudden and violent attack on another individual we had met just minutes earlier—a veteran who had been warmly waving to passersby. A group on hoverboards surrounded and beat him. Sidewalk rushed to intervene and called 911.
The man was shaken, bleeding, and visibly disoriented, unable to remember where an outreach team had left him the night before. He shared that he had already been kicked in the head days earlier. The attackers claimed they thought he had a gun and destroyed his only bag, smashing his camera and personal belongings onto the sidewalk. Sidewalk stayed with him, helping him breathe, focus, and speak with police, while making sure he had clean socks, toiletries, a sleeping bag, and a food card. Given multiple head injuries and active bleeding, we urged him to go to the hospital.
We continued along Broadway, meeting others in need. One man captured the reality simply when asked what he needed most: “What every homeless person needs—money and protein.” It was an emotional handout—one that stayed with us, giving us pause long after the day ended.

Bombas SACK - Supporting A Community with Kindness
Hulken

Sidewalk Samaritan spent Easter Sunday spreading joy at the women’s shelter by handing out special treats of needed essentials. Although the days are starting to warm up, the nights are still quite chilly. As we arrived, one of our “regulars” greeted us with a big smile, proudly telling us she was first in line and had been waiting for us.
The ladies enjoyed the opportunity to do some “shopping,” with volunteers assisting them in choosing a top and bottom that felt just right. We came prepared with a wide range of sizes of jeans, sweatpants, tops, sweatshirts, socks, underwear, soap sacks, and other toiletry items. Shelter staff went door to door to let everyone know Sidewalk was outside, ensuring that each woman had the chance to receive a brand new outfit and feel cared for this Easter.

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another week= more handouts!
Tomorrow at Rutgers (we alternate every other week there and Refforotorio on Fridays)and, Easter Sunday we will be spending time at the women's shelter. To all, Be well!