You may have seen us on the subway

We create housing.
We end homelessness.

We’re not actually volunteers. We’re one of the largest nonprofits developing affordable homes for New Yorkers and providing quality support services to people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Every night in New York City, thousands of people sleep on the street, in the subway, or in a shelter.

Housing instability touches every corner of this city. It affects families, veterans, seniors, youth aging out of foster care, and people living with health challenges. The causes are complex. But the beginning of any solution is the same: a safe, stable place to live.

Despite our name, we're not a volunteer organization. We develop, own, and operate affordable housing.

Housing Is Just The Start

A home is the first step to tackling homelessness. Once stably housed, we help clients access the support they need to achieve stability and thrive.

NYC housing development building

Housing

We’re building the homes New Yorkers need, including temporary, transitional, and permanent affordable housing.

Worker using saw equipment and wearing a hard hat

Wealth-Building

From job readiness to credit-building programs, we empower clients to build a financial safety net.

Image of man in front of a building

Health

After meeting their housing needs, we connect clients to physical and mental health services using proven interventions.

Group of eight staff members hold signs reading "End homelessness, expand CityFHEPS" outside City Hall.

Public Policy

We advocate for the needs of our clients, staff, and sector as we fight to create transformational change.

Building Solutions for New Yorkers in Need

Through our redevelopment and ground-up projects, we bring specialized housing and on-site support services to individuals and families who need it most.
2,400
affordable apartments currently in our development pipeline for low-income and formerly homeless neighbors
5,751
people stayed in our shelters last year, gaining the stability to thrive
34,652
people received housing and other services from VOA-GNY in 2025
“That’s more support than I got from my family. I found peace here that I didn’t find anywhere else.”
Portrait of a person against a red background