Nazareth Housing is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit, non-sectarian organization with a long and proud history of innovation in the field of housing for low-income families.

Founded in 1983, Nazareth Housing has since become a pioneer in the development of cluster site transitional housing for homeless families. Moreover, In June of 2008, Nazareth Housing was recognized as the best family shelter provider for a shelter under 100 beds and has been rated in the top 10 family shelter providers for NYC since 2006. Currently, we provide 14 units of transitional and 40 of permanent housing. With the rising tide of homeless families Nazareth Housing will be expanding our services for transitional housing in the coming months, as well as continuing to promote our homelessness prevention services which reach over 1,600 households a year. Our commitment to assisting families in obtaining safe and stable housing goes beyond housing, to encompass an array of programs that help to prevent future episodes of homelessness. Through a strength based approach and intensive case management, we help families and individuals develop the positive coping mechanisms and self-sufficiency skills they need for greater stability.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As year end holidays of Christmas and Hanukkah approach and the beginning of a new year is on the horizon I thank you for your support and encouragement during the past twelve months. This past year has been a challenging one for low income households in New York City. The twin crises of an economy in severe recession and the shortage of affordable housing have served to bring record numbers to our doors for assistance. As of September 30, 2009, we provided essential services to just under 2,500 unduplicated households, an increase of 1,400 households over one year ago, and nearly four times the number we served in 2006 when I began my tenure as Executive Director. I am proud that during this time our Board of Directors and our professional staff have not shrunk from the challenge of this growing need in their efforts to further our mission to end homelessness and strengthen families. The quality of the work we do is reflected in the fact that we were rated among the top ten agencies in a national competition sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation Family Strengthening Award through Catholic Charities USA. I am also pleased to announce that in January 2010 we are begin a pilot project this year to help families strengthen their financial stability—the Family Assistance Mentors (FAM) project. Our goal is to link households seeking greater independence with trained volunteers that have financial management skills to serve as mentors for a 12 month period. If you would like to train as a FAM mentor CLICK HERE for more information. With training in mid-January, this is a terrific way to start the New Year. Additionally we are planning to open Nazareth House – Harlem, a shelter for 34 homeless families during the winter months. With the growing number of families losing their housing, these 34 units will provide a safe haven for homeless families with children.

Many of you turned out for our Annual Benefit honoring Priscilla Almodovar and the New York Junior League for which I am grateful. It was a terrific evening with tremendous energy and interaction among the attendees. Thank you for helping us raise the critical funds we need to continue the expanding work we do. Be sure to visit our Events page (CLICK HERE) to view photos from the evening.

Our Winter Appeal begins at the end of November. Your support will help make Nazareth House – Harlem a reality and provide shelter for over 100 of our neighbors. Thank you in advance for your generosity and for your continued belief in the work we do. Without you and so many others our work would be hampered. CLICK HERE to donate on line. I’ll leave you with these words from one of our families:

“…being in the shelter system is hard on a teenager…the stigma of being homeless, losing friends, transferring schools, and moving away from family is hard enough. One day it seemed like I had it all and then slowly everything was slipping away…with the support of Nazareth Housing staff I was able to complete the 11th grade with honors and move to the 12th grade.” ~ Jennifer

May your New Year be filled with goodness and joy.

Michael J. Callaghan

Executive Director