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Advocacy and Emergency Services Program

Through this program and networking with other organizations, we help 400 to 500 families per month apply for and gain access to food stamps, Medicaid, Social Security, housing, education, employment, and immigration services.

We also bring East Harlem families’ needs to the attention of elected officials and the general public and to other agencies such as Legal Aid.

The program operates the Emergency Food Pantry, which serves mainly families with very young children for whom good nutrition is essential to physical and mental development. Several government programs provide funds for emergency food, but staffing is funded through private grants and donations.

Advocacy Facts:

In 2002, we provided 41,000 meals to approximately 400 families.

Families are eligible to receive food every 4-6 weeks.

New York Knick Shandon Anderson scored 28 points in the next game he played after giving 50 Thanksgiving dinners to advocacy families.

Program Name: Advocacy/Food Pantry
Contacts: Lucia Russett
Phone: (212) 987-4422
Location: 333 East 115th St. (Between 1st | 2nd) - Map
Schedule: Mon 9-11am | Tues, Thurs, & Fri. 9-11am and 1-3pm
Admission Process: Walk in during open hours for first visit; Then, by appointment. Must have children under 18 and live in East Harlem.

Useful Link: The Harlem Resource Guide