Introduction
New York City is home to one of the largest homeless populations in the United States. Every night, tens of thousands of individuals and families sleep in shelters, temporary housing, or on the streets. Rising living costs, job loss, mental health struggles, and systemic inequalities continue to fuel the crisis.
As an organization committed to dignity, compassion, and community, Umma Foundation has expanded its support to include local relief efforts across NYC—especially during times of heightened need like Ramadan.
The Homeless Crisis in New York City
According to the Coalition for the Homeless, New York City faces one of the most persistent homelessness crises in the U.S. Over 80,000 people are homeless on any given night, including:
According to the NYC Department of Homeless Services, over 80,000 people face homelessness on any given night. Among them are:
- Families with children
- Elderly individuals without support
- Refugees and migrants seeking stability
Shelters are overburdened, and many individuals lack access to essentials such as food, hygiene, and warm clothing.
What Umma Foundation Is Doing to Help
In addition to donation campaigns, Umma Foundation has also launched initiatives like Yala Restaurant, a community-based eatery in Staten Island. Yala not only provides delicious halal meals but reinvests proceeds into charitable programs, including support for the homeless. It’s another way we are working to nourish bodies and uplift lives—one meal at a time.
In 2025, Umma Foundation launched a Ramadan Container Campaign in partnership with local mosques and Islamic centers, offering New Yorkers a way to give directly to those in need.
We’ve placed donation containers in key locations:
- 🕌 Islamic Center of Staten Island
- 🕌 MCC: Muslim Community Center (Brooklyn)
- 🕌 MCC: Muslim Community Center (Staten Island)
- 🕌 Islamic Center of Passaic County (Paterson)
These containers collect:
- Hygiene kits (soap, toothbrushes, pads, etc.)
- Non-perishable food
- Warm clothing and shoes
- Sleeping bags and blankets
All items are distributed to homeless shelters and outreach programs across New York and New Jersey.
Why This Matters in Islam
In Islam, caring for the poor and vulnerable is a central part of faith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbor to his side goes hungry.” (Sunan al-Kubra)
By giving Sadaqah and supporting our neighbors in hardship, we uphold the values of mercy and brotherhood. Organizations like Islamic Relief USA exemplify this through programs such as the Day of Dignity, which provides food, clothing, and healthcare to the unhoused.
How You Can Support the Homeless in NYC
Here are three easy ways to help:
- Donate Online – Your contribution supports food, winter supplies, and hygiene essentials. ummafoundation.org/donate
- Drop Off Supplies – While our Ramadan campaign has ended, we continue to accept donations year-round through our partners and special collection events.
- Share This Cause – Spread awareness by sharing this article or inviting your local masjid to host a future container.
Top 5 Charities Making an Impact on Homelessness
If you're looking to support trusted organizations fighting homelessness, here are five highly reputable charities worth exploring:
- Coalition for the Homeless – New York’s oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping homeless individuals and families.
- National Alliance to End Homelessness – A leading voice in policy, research, and solutions for ending homelessness in the U.S.
- Islamic Relief USA – Provides hot meals, hygiene kits, and shelter support through its annual Day of Dignity and year-round programs.
- Covenant House – Focused on youth homelessness across North America with shelters and support services.
- Umma Foundation – With hyper-local initiatives like Yala Restaurant and Ramadan container drives, Umma Foundation provides direct and dignified support to NYC’s unhoused population.
Final Thoughts
Homelessness isn’t just a statistic—it’s a humanitarian issue happening in our own neighborhoods. With your help, Umma Foundation can bring relief, restore dignity, and show our brothers and sisters they are not forgotten.
📩 Questions or want to get involved? Contact us at ummafoundation.org/contact
