In The News

July 6, 2022
Moving Street Homeless New Yorkers into Housing: VOA-Greater New York Quoted by CityLimits

Noelle Withers, SVP of Programs at VOA-Greater New York, joins other housing advocates in sharing what it would take for a Housing First approach to be effectively implemented in New York City.
June 28, 2022
Pride month is a time for reflection on homelessness in the LGBTQ+ community: Op-Ed by Sandra Márquez

Almost half of all homeless youth in NYC identify as LGBTQ+. VOA-Greater New York's Assistant VP of NYC Housing Services outlines the two-pronged approach the city can take to address this crisis.
June 9, 2022
NYC’s Human Service Workers Deserve Just Pay in This Year’s Budget: Op-Ed by Myung Lee

Myung Lee, President & CEO of VOA-Greater New York, outlines the importance of including a COLA for human services workers in the upcoming NYC budget in this op-ed published by City Limits.
May 29, 2022
Homeless vets need the structure, stability and support permanent housing provides: Op Ed by Anddy Perdomo

Published by Stars and Stripes, VOA-Greater New York's Director of Specialized Housing and Veterans Initiatives, Anddy Perdomo, details how New York City serves as a blueprint to end veteran homelessness—and it starts and ends with housing.
May 2, 2022
Myung Lee Recognized on City & State's 2022 Power of Diversity: Asian 100 List

The list identifies New York’s Asian American leaders from a wide range of backgrounds who are gaining political power and standing up for their communities.
April 21, 2022
Affordable Homes for Seniors: Op Ed by Myung Lee in New York Daily News

Myung Lee, President & CEO of VOA-Greater New York, writes about the need for housing for our seniors and steps that the new Mayoral administration can take to deliver change.
April 21, 2022
VOA-Greater New York Supports Call for Greater Investment in Affordable Housing

Staff from VOA-Greater New York attended a press conference with NYC Council members and other housing advocates calling on the mayor to invest in supportive and affordable housing. Myung Lee is quoted by amNY.
March 22, 2022
VOA-Greater New York Urges Governor Hochul to Fund Housing

Myung Lee expresses her support for the Housing Access Voucher Program on behalf of VOA-Greater New York.
February 15, 2022
Myung Lee Speaks at Press Conference Announcing Recommendations for Improved Nonprofit Contracting

VOA-Greater New York is part of the joint Mayoral and Comptroller task force that put together the recommendations and has been a vocal advocate for procurement reform for many years.
January 3, 2022
Myung Lee Featured in LEADERS Magazine

Myung Lee, President & CEO of Volunteers of America-Greater New York, discusses what excited her about joining the organization, how VOA-GNY adapted during the pandemic, how our work has evolved in the past year and what's coming up as we work to end homelessness in the New York area by 2050.
December 7, 2021
NY@Heart Gala Recap on News12

News12 covers VOA-GNY's NY@Heart gala which took place Monday, December 6, 2021 featuring artist, entrepreneur, actor and fashion icon A$AP Rocky who was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
September 28, 2021
Wrapping Up Operation Backpack® 2021 on PIX11

As this year's Operation Backpack® campaign comes to an end, our Board Member, Paige Davis, and Chief Development & External Affairs Officer, Angela Ciminello, talk about the impact VOA-GNY makes in the lives of students experiencing homelessness.
August 25, 2021
PIX11 Covers How VOA-GNY is Helping Homeless NYC Kids Prepare for In-Person School

Through our annual Operation Backpack® campaign, we're providing grade-specific school supplies to every child living in a New York City homeless shelter that needs them.
June 26, 2021
Tenants Begin Moving into East Clarke Place Senior Residence in the Bronx

An article in the Bronx Times features one of the first tenants to move into East Clarke Place Senior Residence—68-year-old Demetrio Rivera—and outlines how VOA-Greater New York is working to eradicate homelessness in the Greater New York area by 2050 through affordable housing projects like this one.
May 30, 2021
Myung Lee Interviews with Peter Kaye on KLOVE Radio

Peter Kaye, host of Closer Look on KLOVE, speaks to VOA-GNY President and CEO, Myung Lee, ahead of our 125th anniversary. The two discuss the critical work we do, inspiring examples of this work in action and our essential staff who make it possible.
March 23, 2021
BK Reader Features Women’s History Month Celebration at Bushwick Family Residence

In honor of Women's History Month, a ceremony was held at our family shelter in Bushwick to recognize Assistant Chief Judith Harrison, Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North (NYPD) and NYC Department of Education Liaison Jeanette Wright for their support and service to the community.
March 10, 2021
VOA-GNY, Along With Other NYC Nonprofits, Become COVID-19 Vaccine Educators

Myung Lee discusses how Volunteers of America-Greater New York, like other New York City nonprofits, are trying to educate their staff and clients about the COVID-19 vaccine.
February 22, 2021
Myung Lee Honored on City & State's Nonprofit Power 100 List

The 2021 Nonprofit Power 100 acknowledges the influence of major nonprofits across New York, providing essential social services and advocating on behalf of the sector and the communities it serves.
October 29, 2020
Chalkbeat Covers VOA-Greater New York Effort to Bring WiFi to Shelters

Myung Lee explains the critical need for WiFi in shelters and how VOA-Greater New York was working to achieve this before the City announced its commitment to bring WiFi to all NYC family shelters.
August 18, 2020
Op Ed Written by Myung Lee Published in the New York Daily News

VOA-Greater New York's President & CEO writes about the affordable housing crisis impacting our nation's aging population, published in the New York Daily News.
August 20, 2020
Rachel Weinstein Discusses Operation Backpack® 2020 on Bronx Net

Bronx Net's George Bodarky is joined by Rachel Weinstein to talk about how Volunteers of America-Greater New York is continuing their signature community service campaign despite disruptions due to COVID-19.
August 16, 2020
Rachel Weinstein Discusses Operation Backpack® on WBAI's City Watch

Jeff Simmons, host of WBAI's "City Watch," interviews Rachel Weinstein about Operation Backpack® this year and how COVID-19 has required us to pivot to a new model.
August 13, 2020
Operation Backpack® 2020 Featured on NY1

NY1 reporter Roger Clark discusses Operation Backpack® 2020, the challenges we're facing due to the pandemic, and what the community can do to help this year.
August 13, 2020
News 12 Brooklyn & Bronx Highlights Operation Backpack® 2020

Rachel Weinstein, VP Communications & External Relations, and Didi Diallo, an Operation Backpack recipient and former VOA-Greater New York shelter resident, talk about this year's Operation Backpack® campaign on News 12.
July 16, 2020
Bronx Times Reports on $30M Awarded to VOA-Greater New York for Domestic Violence Shelters

The two domestic violence shelters, called Victory I and II, are both located in the Bronx and will be operated by VOA-Greater New York starting October 1—the first day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
July 14, 2020
Pilot with Feed The Frontlines NYC Featured on WCBS 880 Radio

The pilot program with Feed the Frontlines NYC is highlighted on WCBS 880 featuring Brian Moriarty, VOA-Greater New York's Assistant VP, Behavioral Health and Senior Housing Programs.
July 8, 2020
VOA-Greater New York & Feed the Frontlines Pilot Featured on News 12 The Bronx

The pilot program spearheaded by Feed the Frontlines NYC that brought local, chef-prepared meals to VOA-Greater New York staff and clients is featured on News 12 The Bronx.
June 29, 2020
Myung Lee Contributes to Nonprofit Leadership Columns in NYN Media

Joining other nonprofit leaders, Myung Lee shares how VOA-Greater New York is responding to the pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement, and the future of the human services sector post-COVID.
June 15, 2020
Local Restaurants Serve 1,000 Meals Per Day to VOA-Greater New York Clients and Frontline Staff

As part of pilot program spearheaded by Feed the Frontlines NYC, 1,000 chef-prepared meals are being served to individuals living in VOA-Greater New York shelters and supportive housing programs, as well as frontline staff, every day.
June 9, 2020
June 14 through 30 – Donate to Operation Backpack® at Walgreens and Duane Reade Stores

Customers shopping at Walgreens and Duane Reade stores in the New York metropolitan area (including Long Island, Albany and Hudson Valley) and select New Jersey locations will be able to donate to Operation Backpack® 2020.
June 8, 2020
Appointment of Myung Lee Mentioned in The Chronicle of Philanthropy

The appointment of Myung Lee as the next Volunteers of America-Greater New York President and CEO was covered in The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
June 4, 2020
Myung Lee on WBAI's Driving Forces

Myung Lee is interviewed by Jeff Simmons, host of WBAI's "Driving Forces."
May 26, 2020
Human Services Workers are Essential Workers: VOA-Greater New York Signs Letter Published in Gotham Gazettte

VOA-Greater New York and other human services providers signed a letter published in the Gotham Gazette emphasizing our critical role as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the city must support us now and through recovery.
May 22, 2020
Tere Pettitt Discusses VOA-Greater New York's History, Mission and COVID-19 Response on WFUV

Tere Pettitt shares more about the history of VOA-Greater New York, our mission and how we are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 20, 2020
Myung Lee Featured in Crain's New York "People on the Move"

The announcement of our new President and CEO, Myung J. Lee, was featured in Crain's New York Business.
May 19, 2020
Volunteers of America-Greater New York is Responding to COVID-19

Our everyday mission at VOA-Greater New York is to help the families and individuals we serve overcome obstacles to living safe, healthy and productive lives in the community. Now, in the third month of COVID-19, we are beginning to see positive signs that our efforts to slow the spread of the virus and keep our clients, staff and volunteers safe, are working.
May 19, 2020
Volunteers of America-Greater New York Welcomes Myung J. Lee as Next President & CEO

Myung J. Lee has been appointed the next President & Chief Executive Officer of Volunteers of America-Greater New York. Ms. Lee succeeds Tere Pettitt, who announced her retirement plans last summer after 18 years with VOA-Greater New York.
March 10, 2020
Anddy Perdomo Quoted in City & State Article on Ending Veteran Homelessness in NYC

Anddy Perdomo, Director of Veterans Initiatives and AIDS Supportive Housing at Volunteers of America-Greater New York, is quoted in this City & State NY story about NYC's success at ending veteran homelessness in the city.
February 17, 2020
Crain's New York Business Features "A New York Winter's Eve"

Crain's New York Business includes photos of guests at "A New York Winter's Eve," including Master of Ceremonies Willie Geist, in its Snaps feature.
January 17, 2020
New York Social Diary Shares Recap and Photos of "A New York Winter's Eve"

New York Social Diary shares a recap and photos of "A New York Winter's Eve," VOA-Greater New York's 24th annual fundraising gala.
December 19, 2019
"A New York Winter's Eve" Featured on Broadway World

Broadway World features a recap of "A New York Winter's Eve" with photos of guests Patrick Page and Paige Davis.
December 1, 2019
Holiday Gifts of the Heart featured on PIX11

Every holiday season, Volunteers of America-Greater New York holds several drives to make the holidays special for the people we serve. PIX11 covers this year's Holiday Gifts of the Heart "Sort Week."
August 29, 2019
Operation Backpack® Volunteers Pack 2019 Campaign's Final 500 Backpacks on TODAY Show

Volunteers of America-Greater New York and Operation Backpack® were featured on the TODAY Show on Thursday, August 29, as key partners and hosts from the show helped pack the final 500 backpacks needed to fulfill this year's requests.
August 23, 2019
Insider Lists Operation Backpack® as Way to Give Back During Back-to-School Season

Operation Backpack® was included on a list of "6 ways to give back during back-to-school season (and all year long)" published by Insider.
August 21, 2019
"AM New York" Profiles Operation Backpack®

"AM New York" explains how Operation Backpack® provides 20,000 full, high-quality backpacks to students experiencing homelessness across New York City with the help of community donations and volunteers.
August 9, 2019
Operation Backpack® 2019 Featured on CityLimits.org

CityLimits.org featured the story of Operation Backpack® 2019. This year 20,000 students experiencing homelessness will receive backpacks thanks to the generosity of the community.
August 9, 2019
Operation Backpack® 2019 Featured on NY1

NY1 reports on Operation Backpack® 2019 featuring an interview with Steven Banks, Commissioner of NYC's Department of Social Services. Joslyn Carter, Administrator of NYC's Department of Homeless Services, was also in attendance.
August 9, 2019
WPIX Reports on Operation Backpack® 2019

Operation Backpack® 2019 was featured on PIX11 with an interview from Tere Pettitt, VOA-GNY President & CEO.
August 9, 2019
FOX5 Features Operation Backpack® on New York Minute

Operation Backpack® 2019 was profiled on the FOX5 News New York Minute featuring an interview with Rachel Weinstein.
August 9, 2019
Operation Backpack® Featured on WWOR's Chasing News

Operation Backpack® 2019 was featured on WWOR's Chasing News. Over 20,000 students experiencing homelessness in NYC will receive backpacks and supplies this coming school year.
August 8, 2019
Operation Backpack® 2019 Featured on WCBS

CBS2 reports on Operation Backpack® 2019 featuring interviews with Rachel Weinstein, VOA-GNY's VP of Communications and External Relations and founder of Operation Backpack®, Paige Davis, VOA-GNY Board Member, and Erika Henningsen, Mean Girls Broadway cast member.
August 8, 2019
Operation Backpack® 2019 Profiled on "NYC Patch"

"New York City Patch" featured Operation Backpack® 2019 on its website, including the story of how it started sixteen years ago.
August 8, 2019
"New York Post" Profiles Operation Backpack® 2019

Operation Backpack® 2019 is featured in the New York Post. The story shares how the initiative was started sixteen years ago and its impact on students like Bakary Diallo.
July 25, 2019
NYPD Transit Bureau Partners with VOA to Help Ensure Success of Operation Backpack®

In support of Operation Backpack® 2019, our partners at the NYPD Transit Bureau are accepting new, full backpacks as well as empty backpacks and school supplies from the public at various locations and dates.
April 10, 2019
Former Student Who is Now a Teacher at the Bronx Early Learning Center Featured on NY1

Roselynn Frempong is a teacher at the Bronx Early Learning Center, the Pre-K that she attended as a child.
December 23, 2018
Hope and Hearth Holiday Food Vouchers featured in the "New York Daily News"

The "New York Daily News" profiled the Hope and Hearth Holiday Food Voucher program though the experience of one of our clients.
November 19, 2018
NYPD Officers Deliver Thanksgiving Food to VOA-GNY's Bushwick Family Residence

NYPD Transit officers held a food drive for our Bushwick Family Residence and delivered in time for Thanksgiving.
November 12, 2018
Battle Buddy Bridge® Featured on amNY

amNY featured Battle Buddy Bridge in a story about how veterans give back to other veterans.
November 2, 2018
Clarke Place Featured on News 12 The Bronx

Reporters talked to Paul Kress, our VP of Strategic Initiatives, and local community members about Clarke Place.
September 24, 2018
This Former Student and His Teacher Are Now Colleagues at the BELC

News 12 The Bronx recently featured Kirby Liriano, a former BELC student who is now a teacher.
August 15, 2018
WCBS Highlights the Importance of Operation Backpack®

WCBS highlights the importance of the annual drive, and what it means to students who are homeless across New York City.
August 15, 2018
Operation Backpack® on Fox 5

Fox 5 New York profiles Operation Backpack® featuring interviews with VOA-GNY President and CEO Tere Pettitt and backpack recipient 11 year old Heaven.
August 6, 2018
Ernie Anastos Interviews Operation Backpack® Founder Rachel Weinstein About 2018 Campaign

Ernie Anastos Interviews Operation Backpack® Founder Rachel Weinstein About 2018 Campaign
August 5, 2018
Operation Backpack® Featured on AMNY

AMNY reports on the 2018 Operation Backpack® campaign.
August 1, 2018
1010 WINS Radio Spot Raises Awareness for Operation Backpack®

Listen to a radio spot featuring Operation Backpack® has been appearing on 1010 WINS.
July 24, 2018
Operation Backpack® Featured on New York City Patch

The 15th annual Operation Backpack® 2018 public campaign was featured on the New York City Patch website. Read more about our drive.
July 23, 2018
Montclair Operation Backpack® Drive on Baristanet

Operation Backpack® supporter Kimya Nielsen was featured on local Montclair website, Baristanet.
June 26, 2018
VOA-GNY Joins Mayor’s New Task Force to Address Youth Homelessness

Mayor De Blasio’s administration has assembled the first-ever task force of city agencies, experts, and local nonprofit providers to address the issue of preventing and ending youth homelessness in New York City.
June 18, 2019
Family Helped by VOA Featured in New York Daily News

The Harrell family, former residents at the Regent Family Residence, discuss their journey from homelessness to an apartment of their own.
June 14, 2018
Operation Backpack® Breakfast Featured on New York Nonprofit Media

News about the 2018 Operation Backpack® Kickoff Breakfast was briefly profiled on New York Nonprofit Media.
December 1, 2017
Rachel Weinstein Talks About Founding Operation Backpack®

VP of Communications & External Relations, Rachel Weinstein, discusses her career at VOA-GNY and how Operation Backpack® came to be.
November 8, 2017
VOA-GNY Launches Peer-to-Peer Initiative for Veterans

Battle Buddy Bridge is a veteran peer-to-peer program that provides services and opportunities to military veterans and their families.
October 19, 2017
Creston Avenue Residence Named "Residence of the Year" by Supportive Housing Network of New York (SHNNY)

Singled out for its innovative programming and design, the building provides a safe, affordable place to live for some of NYC’s most vulnerable citizens.
October 10, 2017
Wales Avenue Residence Receives License from New York State

Wales Avenue Residence, a permanent supportive housing facility, that provides behavioral health services received a three-year operating license from the New York State Office of Mental Health.
October 10, 2017
New Staff Team Secures License for Behavioral Health Programs in Northern New Jersey

Volunteers of America-Greater New York’s (VOA-GNY) Behavioral Health services in Northern New Jersey (NNJ) recently secured three-year licenses for each of their Adult Service programs.
October 3, 2017
The Bronx Early Learning Center Receives NAEYC Accreditation

The Bronx Early Learning Center, serving children with developmental disabilities, has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
October 2, 2017
Join Us for Our Annual Gala: A New York Winter's Eve

Learn more about this year's gala.
August 28, 2017
Operation Backpack® Founder Rachel Weinstein Sits Down with Ernie Anastos of Fox 5 NY

Rachel Weinstein sat down with Ernie Anastos to talk about the impact of Operation Backpack® within the NYC area.
August 11, 2017
MSN News Features Operation Backpack®

Experience the impact of Operation Backpack® through the eyes of one of its participants.
August 6, 2017
The "New York Daily News" Interviews Operation Backpack® Founder

Operation Backpack® founder Rachel Weinstein discusses the inspiration behind the program.
August 4, 2017
VOA-GNY Rings Closing Bell on NYSE

The New York Stock Exchange recognizes Operation Backpack® by inviting us to ring the closing bell.
August 3, 2017
Operation Backpack® Profiled in "The New York Times"

"The New York Times" spoke to 11-year-old Gianna, a recipient of one of our donated backpacks with supplies.
August 2, 2017
Parenting Blog Spreads the Word About Operation Backpack®

The website "New York Parenting" shares the story of Operation Backpack®
July 23, 2017
NY1 Spreads the Word About Operation Backpack®

Operation Backpack® founder Rachel Weinstein appears on NY1 to talk about the program, how it serves the community, and what you can do.
July 22, 2017
Operation Backpack® Featured on WABC 7

WABC 7 morning news invited Operation Backpack® founder Rachel Weinstein to discuss the 2017 campaign.
July 9, 2017
Operation Backpack® 2017 is Underway!

Here's how you can participate in Operation Backpack® 2017
June 8, 2017
New York Yankees Honor Operation Backpack®

The Yankees generously hosted an evening at Yankee Stadium to highlight Operation Backpack®
January 25, 2017
VOA Partners with NYCHA Program to Support Homeless Vets

A New York City Housing Authority program is helping homeless veterans find permanent homes.
August 18, 2016
"Fiddler on the Roof" Joins Operation Backpack®

The cast of Fiddler on the Roof recently volunteered their time to Operation Backpack, a community service of Volunteers of America-Greater New York that provides homeless children living in New York City shelters with new, filled backpacks.
August 8, 2016
2016 Operation Backpack® Sort Week

Roger Clark, New York 1, covers the start of Operation Backpack® sort week
July 17, 2016
Rachel Weinstein & Paige Davis Talk Operation Backpack® on ABC7 2016

Michelle Charlesworth, ABC7, interviewed Rachel Weinstein & Paige Davis about Operation Backpack®.
July 12, 2016
Rachel Weinstein speaks with New York 1 about Operation Backpack®

Rachel Weinstein speaks with New York 1 about Operation Backpack®
August 9, 2015
Operation Backpack® 2015 on NBC Cozi TV

Actress Paige Davis discuss Operation Backpack® 2015, NYC's largest back-to-school drive for homeless students
July 15, 2015
Operation Backpack 2015 is Underway!

Operation Backpack 2015 Has Launched
June 16, 2015
Oprah is Grateful for Operation Backpack!

O Magazine features Operation Backpack in its July 2015 issue
May 7, 2015
Rutgers Presbyterian Church Collects Books for VOA Veterans Residences

Hundreds of books fill the libraries of VOA's residences for formerly homeless veterans, thanks to a book drive organized by Rutgers Presbyterian Church.
March 10, 2015
VOA-GNY Airport Outreach in Bloomberg Business News

New York's affordable housing crisis has forced some homeless to live in the airports for years.
March 3, 2015
VOA Unveils Creston Avenue Residence

The Creston Avenue Residence, located in the Fordham section of the Bronx, provides a safe, supportive environment for some of the city's most at-risk residents.
January 1, 2015
Bushwick Family Shelter Receives Renovations thanks to Bright Horizons Foundation for Children and NBC’s TODAY Show

Alongside TODAY host Willie Geist, the Foundation, with the support of Bright Horizons Family Solutions and other businesses created a Bright Space® at VOA's Bushwick Family Residence in Brooklyn, New York.
December 10, 2014
VOA's NIA Home for At-Risk Youth Receives Renovations and Holiday Cheer

Home for At-Risk Youth Receives Renovations
November 20, 2014
Willie Geist and the "TODAY Show" Makes Over Recreation Room

Willie Geist, the "TODAY Show", and the Bright Horizons Foundation make over the recreation room at our family shelter in Brooklyn.
November 14, 2014
CBS EcoMedia and Bank of America Improve VOA Vets Residences

Thanks to generous financial support from Bank of America and in partnership with CBS EcoMedia, critical repairs and upgrades to important capital features were made at two facilities operated by Volunteers of America-Greater New York.
November 1, 2014
VOA Hosts an Opening Night Screening of "Glen Campbell...I'll Be Me"

Volunteers of America-Greater New York hosted an opening night screening of "Glen Campbell... I'll Be Me," on October 24, 2014, at AMC Empire 25 Theaters on West 42nd Street.
February 4, 2014
Rutgers Presbyterian Church and Volunteers of America-Greater New York Announce Summer Field Trips for Children in New York City

Rutgers Presbyterian Church and Volunteers of America - Greater New York (VOA-GNY) to host summer field trips for at-risk children throughout New York City. The children will visit Rutgers Presbyterian Church on Fridays, create art in the Church's inspirational art studio and participate in various creative play activities.
August 1, 2013
Creston Avenue Residence Featured in Tax Credit Advisor Magazine

Tax Credit Advisor Magazine profiles the Creston Avenue Residence, a new housing project funded under an initiative to reduce New York State's Medicaid expenditures.
April 1, 2013
HSBC Bank Awards Volunteers of America $200,000 Grant in Support of Operation Backpack®

Two-year gift from HSBC will buy backpacks and school supplies for thousands of children who are homeless in three metropolitan areas.
January 25, 2013
Governor Cuomo Announces Ground-Breaking of First Project to Implement Medicaid Redesign Team Savings for Supportive Housing

$25 million Creston Avenue Residence in the Bronx will provide on-site client services and improve healthcare outcomes while reducing state medicaid costs for at-risk New Yorkers