#USA #New York City #NYC #Care For the Homeless #Adriana Trigiani

Care For the Homeless Celebrates 40 Years of Impact

On October 23, 2025, Care For the Homeless (CFH) will host a special commemorative breakfast event at Bohemian National Hall in New York City to celebrate its 40th anniversary. This landmark occasion will feature New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani as the emcee, along with a panel discussion moderated by NBC 4 New York anchor Michael Gargiulo.

The breakfast will salute CFH's four decades of dedication to providing essential health care, residential, and social services to the homeless population in New York City. It will also highlight the individuals and organizations that have contributed to meaningful advancements in combating homelessness. With over 200 attendees expected, including community leaders, long-standing supporters, and those directly affected by CFH's mission, this event promises to be a moving tribute to the organization's significant impact on the community.

The panel discussion, titled "The Past, Present, and Future: How CFH is Leading the Fight Against Homelessness in New York City," will present insights from key figures such as George Nashak, President and CEO of CFH; Bobby Watts, former CFH CEO; and Jonathan Santos-Ramos, CFH Chief Program Officer. They will reflect on CFH's legacy and future goals, aiming to foster deeper discussions around homelessness and effective solutions.

CFH is set to honor individuals and groups who have made extraordinary contributions to its mission with several awards:

• - Susan Neibacher Lifetime Impact Award: Awarded to Bobby Watts for his lifelong commitment to improving healthcare access and ending homelessness.
• - Champion of Change Award: Given to Katie Devine for her work in expanding affordable and supportive housing across NYC.
• - Distinguished Service Award: Presented to the CFH Consumer Advisory Board, a group of 13 individuals with lived experience of homelessness whose insights help guide CFH services.

Founded in 1985, CFH began as one of 19 pilot programs supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and The Pew Charitable Trusts. Over the years, it has become a leader in the fight against homelessness, delivering high-quality health care, with health centers established in community spaces such as shelters and soup kitchens in all five boroughs. In 2024 alone, CFH facilitated over 41,000 health care visits to more than 12,000 individuals, including almost 1,300 children, and supported nearly 750 individuals in transitioning into permanent housing.

Reflecting on CFH's achievements, Nashak stated, “Our 40th anniversary serves as a testament to our founding belief that by integrating health care, shelter, and social services, we do more than treat symptoms; we build a foundation for new lives.”

The organization’s comprehensive approach demonstrates how essential services can effectively combat homelessness while promoting dignity, respect, and community support.

Personal stories highlight the tangible impact of CFH's work. For instance, M.A. Dennis, a former homeless New Yorker who benefited from CFH’s services, shared how the organization played a pivotal role in his recovery journey. “Care For the Homeless helped me individually. They built me from the inside out,” Dennis recounted.

As CFH approaches this significant milestone, it invites the public to join in the celebration by purchasing tickets, providing sponsorships, or donating to support their continued efforts. Details about the event and participation options can be found on CFH's official website.

In closing, Care For the Homeless remains committed to advocating for policies that reduce and ultimately eliminate homelessness, upholding the right of every New Yorker to have a place they can call home. Through their unwavering dedication, CFH continues to inspire hope and change.

For more information and to learn more about Care For the Homeless, visit www.careforthehomeless.org.