HFH 2024 IMPACT REPORT
Welcome to our interactive 2024 Impact Report. For a PDF version of the report, view HERE or download HERE. If you would like to receive a hard copy, please email [email protected] to request a copy while supplies last.
2024 was a year of both meaningful stability and forward momentum for HFH. We saw more families successfully move out of shelter and into permanent housing, a testament to the hard work of our many onsite programs and dedicated staff.
As our team grew to over 470 employees, we invested in professional development and focused on retaining our staff—resulting in a notable increase in the average length of staff tenure across HFH. This year also marked the expansion of signature programs, including the launch of a new hospitality course at Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment and the continued growth of HFH Summer Camps.
Behind the scenes, we focused on operational efficiency and using data more intentionally to inform decisions. Rather than spreading ourselves thin, we chose to strengthen our foundation, measure our impact, and reinforce the systems that guide our mission.
— John Greenwood, Executive Director
2024 By the Numbers
Notes from Our Administrators
At HFH, our impact is driven by the dedication of our staff—those who work directly with residents and those who keep everything running behind the scenes. Within these pages, you’ll hear some of their stories firsthand, along with the voices of the people and families we serve.
Since opening in November 2022, Clinton has grown tremendously. Through construction in 2024 and continuous upkeep by our maintenance team, it is a welcoming and secure space for families seeking stability and a fresh start. Our Recreation team fosters a sense of normalcy by organizing activities like BINGO, movie nights, arts & crafts, and holiday celebrations. Each department plays a vital role in Clinton being more than just a shelter; it is a community.
— Nereida Santiago, Administrator, Clinton Family Residence
Our Family Services team helped many residents transition into permanent housing, and we saw these residents build friendships and encourage one another on their journey to stability. We’re deeply grateful to every employee for their daily efforts to assist residents and keep Prospect thriving. We also added a new Director of Afterschool, whose fresh ideas and deep engagement with parents have strengthened the program and increased participation among the children.
As a new site, Island has made major strides in how we serve families and the overall feel of our facility. In 2024, we worked on key renovations—from new flooring to enhanced recreation areas—that helped create a more inviting atmosphere. The children especially have loved the added play areas, and families feel the difference. Every faculty member has played an important part in making Island a place of care and belonging.
— Lori Bowen, Administrator, Island Family Residence
Maintaining a safe, healthy, and well-operated facility would not be possible without colleagues who are committed to collaboration in achieving our shared goals. This past year, we tackled major infrastructure projects, and thanks to the strong coordination between our personnel and the Buildings team at the central office, these efforts ran smoothly. Their quick responses and teamwork made all the difference.
My vision is to create a warm and comfortable setting for anyone who walks through the door at Saratoga. While safety is always our top priority, we also want families to feel cared for and at ease. That means investing in the space, so it reflects the energy we bring to programs and uplifts families as they build toward their futures. I also hope to continue building a strong, compassionate team to work with our residents—when people feel empowered here, it lays a foundation to succeed beyond our doors.
— David Morris, Administrator, Saratoga Family Residence
Meet Our Staff Spotlights
HFH Staff Spotlights celebrate employees who consistently go above and beyond in their roles. Nominated by supervisors or colleagues, these individuals exemplify a strong work ethic, team spirit, and excellence within HFH. For more on their inspiring stories, visit the “What’s New” section of the HFH website.
Tiffany Diaz
“People come from different backgrounds and often carry a lot of weight on their shoulders. I like being their ear—the person that gets to listen to them. I always tell them, ‘You can come to me for anything,’ because sometimes they don’t have other people. I like being the person that can be there for someone else.”
— Tiffany Diaz, Case Manager, Allie’s Place
Michael Lewis
“When I came [to Saratoga], they turned my life around. For me, working motivates me to keep striving. I don’t look back at the past; I just look to the future.”
— Michael Lewis, Porter, Saratoga
Eric Smith
“To see people who are in an unfortunate situation … to grow and have a different outlook on life, it makes it all worth it for me.”
— Eric Smith, Director of Building Operations, Prospect, and HFH’s longest-serving staff member
Veronica Cubano
“I want to show people the growth. I want people to know that it can happen for them. Just because you are [in shelter], doesn’t mean you can’t continue rising, as long as you have faith and don’t give up.”
— Veronica Cubano, Administrative Assistant, Williamsbridge, former Saratoga resident
A Peek Inside Family Services
Family Services is at the heart of our mission—providing the hands-on, holistic care that helps residents rebuild their lives. But because the work is deeply personal and often confidential, it doesn’t always show up in photos or headlines. It happens in quiet conversations, behind office doors, and in moments of crisis or breakthrough. This crucial work is often unseen, but its impact is immeasurable.
The teams at each shelter work closely with residents to address a wide range of challenges, always focused on building trust and fostering connections. They work with individuals to navigate the complexities of housing, employment, and health care, offering guidance during the most difficult times. Whether it’s guiding someone to stable housing, meaningful employment, or essential services, the team is there every step of the way. They build relationships with landlords, assist with job readiness, and provide a steady hand when support matters most.
These roles are demanding, but the team shows up every day with persistence and compassion—helping residents move forward with security, progress, and a sense of possibility.
Q&A with Elizabeth Castillo, Director of Family Services at Clinton Family Residence
“[The Family Services team has been] amazing; they’re great. They make me feel comfortable. And if I have any questions, they’re always there to answer them for me.”
Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment
Allie’s Place Center for Culinary Education & Employment offers free job-training—to HFH shelter residents and to the surrounding community—in Culinary Essentials, Pastry Arts, and expanded this year to include a Hospitality course, giving students even more career pathways, along with advanced workshops (like learning how to cook healthy meals for the family), employment assistance, and a network that continues to offer resources for up to a year after graduation.
2024 By the Numbers
— William, 2024 Graduate
— Alexis, 2024 Graduate
— Jayda Gabriel, Chef, Pastry Arts Instructor
— Lucas, 2024 Graduate
— Angelica, 2024 Graduate
“The biggest change I see, from day one to when the students graduate, is this confidence that just builds in them. We want to make sure they have all the skills that get them job-ready but having the confidence and believing in yourself is really the most important thing. You can have all the technique in the world but if you don’t have that confidence, you’re not going to be the most successful person you can be.”
“I’d like to thank the staff and my classmates at the Center for Culinary Education & Employment for supporting my goals, dreams, and career change from tattoo artist into the culinary field. Also, I’d like to give a shout out and a special thank you to Chef Greg—the coolest chef on this side of the solar system—whose humor and creativity gives each class a unique experience.”
“There is one student who told me that when he was taking this class with me, he was homeless and sleeping in the park. He made it on time every day. Never complained. Just did it. Now, he has a job—he’s at this hipster, trendy, amazing barbecue joint in Brooklyn. He has an apartment. He has a home and a little vegetable garden on his terrace. When they overcome it, it makes your day, absolutely makes your day.”
“Allie’s has helped me ready myself for real world settings, both in the workplace and at home. I think overall, it’s really contributed to my confidence, how I speak, how I move, how I present myself—knowing and feeling ready to just jump into any situation, whether it be meeting with a new employer or conducting something more independent. It’s really made me feel that I am able—able and capable—to do whatever it is I set out to do, especially in a work setting.”
“I feel like Allie’s Place has helped me grow a lot. While working here, I realized that—you know, everyone has different styles of learning—I realized my method of learning is teaching. I’m realizing as I’m teaching, I’m learning so much so quickly, and I wish I’d learned that sooner, but I’m happy that I had the opportunity to learn that here, because the more I’m able to take in, the more I can teach. So, I think that’s really special, because it’s the gift that keeps on giving.”
“Usually the kitchen is a fast-paced environment, so with the training that Allie’s Place provides, it gave me an expectation of what I am going to be doing when I get a job and prepared me for it. If nobody else has the experience I have, I can guide them. It is a really nice place to learn if you are interested in the culinary arts.”
“I think having a kid [got me into culinary.] Wanting my son to eat healthier, and having the best options for him, made me want to explore cooking, and that’s what kind of opened the door. I love cooking in general—it brings me joy.”
HFH Summer Camps
In the 2024 HFH Summer Camps season, campers enjoyed outdoor activities like basketball, frisbee, and canoeing, took part in community service, and explored arts, sports, and nature. New this year was an outdoor adventure challenge, where campers learned foundational skills like setting up tents and navigating obstacle courses through teamwork. Traditions like making s’mores, celebrating holidays, and the end-of-camp Carnival—featuring games, face painting, and sweet treats—made for an unforgettable summer.
— 2024 Camper
— Shawn Thorns, Camp Culture Manager
— 2024 Camper
— Jachbiany, 2024 Camper
— Marissa, 2024 Camper
— Nalani “Nani,” Music Specialist, previous HFH Summer Camps camper
— Tazion “Tizz,” Unit Leader
— Andrew, General Counselor, previous HFH Summer Camps camper
“When I first came to this camp I did not know how to swim, and now I am a really strong swimmer.”
“I think what sets us apart is our mission to make sure that the kids have the whole experience. We provide these activities for them, but we also provide love and care and this family culture—we eat as a family, we cheer as a family, we have evening programs as a family, we do everything as a family at this camp, and I think that is what sets us apart. We put emphasis on love and care.”
“I like camp because we get to meet all these cool teachers and unit leaders, and we get to see our cabins, and they are really cool. We get to stay up sometimes and talk about stories and play games.”
“I made a lot of friends, even in my cabin. When you go to each cabin all the girls are there, and they treat you nice.”
“It’s fun—we have swimming every day, and the counselors are nice and funny. The last day was the worst day because we had to leave. Everybody was crying, including me.”
“It is very rare that city kids get to experience something so peaceful, something so out of their element, and I think it is good for them to not only see different communities but different cultures, because we have counselors from places all across the world. It just broadens their horizons, and it is a fun way to do so as well.”
“As the week goes on you see the growth, you see them participate in activities, you see their willingness to make new friends and take initiative and responsibility. I have seen so many campers change in the span of two days—just their willingness to try something [new]. The growth I have seen overall is just eye-opening and heartwarming.”
“I feel like I can relate to them. I was in their shoes. I understand them. I am from the city. I was a part of HFH as a kid, so I feel like when someone is scared, or someone wants to go home and is homesick I am there, and I understand how they feel.”
2024 By the Numbers
Afterschool & Recreation
Afterschool & Recreation provides children, ages 5-16, with homework help, enrichment programs in STEAM, sports, and leadership, plus field trips and activities tailored to their interests—all within a setting where students feel a sense of belonging and pride in their program.
Highlights of the year include field trips to see the Radio City Rockettes—which included a backstage tour—and a tour of JFK airport; Lego robotics and visits from critters and creatures like owls, snakes, chinchillas, and a bearded dragon; Teen Nights at Allie’s Place, where youth enjoyed outdoor movie screenings just for the teens; an engaging production of the Evolution of Hip-Hop at Saratoga; and an action-packed Field Day at Prospect filled with team spirit and games like tug of war.
Recreation at Clinton, Island, and Williamsbridge offers families a welcoming place to connect and participate in activities for the entire family. From carnivals and back-to-school events to photography and cooking classes, they spend time outside their rooms and engage with one another and other families.
— Sam, Saratoga Afterschool & Recreation Student
— Giovanni Yapor, Lead Teacher, Prospect
— Victory, Saratoga Afterschool & Recreation Student
— Mother at Williamsbridge Back-to-School event
— David Diaz, Family Assistant, Island
— Yasmeen Joyner, Recreation Supervisor, Williamsbridge
“We have freedom to say what we want … like responsibly … like freedom to responsibly say what we want.”
“We’ve seen a lot of our kids grow socially—they started out shy and timid and then started opening up and allowing their peers to get to know them. They’re like a little family almost; they like to check on each other, make sure everybody’s OK if they’re having trouble with something, they want to help each other. They’ve gotten better at not just looking at what ‘I’ need but what others need as well.”
My favorite part about afterschool is dance because I get to express my feelings.”
“It’s nice that the staff hosts little events. [My son] has fun, and he gets to play with other kids, so it’s a win-win for everybody. He didn’t expect any of the activities, the food, everything. It’s a surprise, so he is having a good time. He can’t wait to start school; every day he asks me, ‘Is it today?’ He didn’t have any supplies yet. It comes in handy—all of this—it helps the parents.”
“We host movie nights where families can come down, pick a movie, and just relax. Yes, you’re living in a shelter, but it gives you a chance to take your mind off things. If you’ve had a bad day, you can come down, do some art, watch a movie—we have all kinds of activities to help you feel a sense of normalcy. Sometimes kids come just to talk. And while they’re doing art, I’ll chat with their parents. It’s a judgement-free space.”
“I hope that families just have good experiences here. They didn’t ask to be in this situation, but it’s harder to understand when you’re a kid. It’s important to offer this space where they get to come in and make friends and play games, and when they leave here, take that memory of ‘Yeah, we weren’t in the best situation, but I had a great time when I was there.’ I just want to be able to be that support system for them.”
Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education Centers are staffed by NYC Department of Education-certified teachers and create a nurturing environment for Pre-K and 3-K children—both in the shelter and from the surrounding neighborhood. Each day includes engaging activities like the Question of the Day, feelings check-ins, social play, family-style meals, circle time, outdoor play, structured activities, and individualized attention, all designed to foster emotional, social, and physical development. The kids had an action-packed time with special visits from the National Enrichment Group, who got them stretching and stirring with yoga and cooking lessons; Super Soccer Stars brought the energy with fun-filled soccer sessions; and Bilingual Birdies turned up the music and movement while teaching them Spanish.
Q&A with Lisandra Santana, Director of Early Childhood Education at Allie’s Place
“I like the Early Childhood Education program; they care about my kid. He likes the school. He always says ‘I want to wear my backpack, I want to go to school’—he likes to be here. I really liked the progress from it; he has learned a lot. The teachers are very nice; I can ask them anything, and they are always available.”
Behind the Scenes: The Essential Departments Keeping the Lights On
While the frontline programs provide direct services to families, none of this would be possible without the passionate teams working behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. Human Resources recruits, onboards, and enables HFH employees to thrive in their roles. Drivers work with Administration to maintain seamless coordination across shelters, transporting kids on field trips, residents to appointments, and essential items—including donations—between sites and the central office. The Safety department ensures residents and employees are secure across the boroughs.
The Buildings department oversees the daily operations and supports maintenance personnel at our six shelter sites across New York City and HFH Summer Camps in Harriman State Park, providing families and kids with a clean, functional, and safe place to call home (and camp!). The Finance department handles budgeting, accounting, and purchasing, making sure that resources are allocated effectively to facilitate programs and services.
These teams, and many others working behind the scenes, play a vital role in our mission—creating the foundation that allows frontline staff to provide life-changing services to families. 2024’s inside look showcases the Finance and Buildings departments, and we look forward to featuring more departments in 2025.
Q&A with Carlos Santos, Controller
“We’re the first faces clients see when they come in and the last when they leave, so they come to us for everything—even things outside our job description. They trust us because we’re always here, and that builds a relationship. I’ll often have to redirect them to the right person, like a case manager, but I always let them know I’m here to support them however I can.”
Q&A with Eric Leff, Senior Project Manager
Board of Directors
Homes for the Homeless
Leonard N. Stern
Founder & Chair Emeritus
David Webb
Chair
(212) 529-5252
HFHnyc.org
[email protected]
[email protected]
@HFH_NYC
HFHNYC
HFHNYC
HFHNYC
Harris Barer
Paige Bartels
Steven Cohen
Richard Finkelstein
Shelly Friedman
Susanne C. Hurowitz
Peter K. Jenik
Michael Kalmus
Luke Nasta
Ralph da Costa
Nunez, PhD
Andrea Stern
Dane Wesley
We are grateful to all those who make supplementary services and activities possible through volunteering, grants, and in-kind and monetary donations each year. Thank you to our HFH Board of Directors for their leadership and sound stewardship of financial resources ensuring that we can provide continuity of operations, programming, and services to New York City families. To donate overall or to a specific program, please email [email protected].
