Introduction
The Homeless Crisis in New York City
What Umma Foundation Is Doing to Help
Why This Matters in Islam
How You Can Support the Homeless in NYC
Top 5 Charities Making an Impact on Homelessness
Final Thoughts
New York City is home to one of the largest homeless populations in the United States. Every night, tens of thousands of individuals and families sleep in shelters, temporary housing, or on the streets. Rising living costs, job loss, mental health struggles, and systemic inequalities continue to fuel the crisis.
As an organization committed to dignity, compassion, and community,Umma Foundationhas expanded its support to include local relief efforts across NYC—especially during times of heightened need like Ramadan.
According to theCoalition for the Homeless, New York City faces one of the most persistent homelessness crises in the U.S. Over80,000 peopleare homeless on any given night, including:
According to the NYC Department of Homeless Services, over80,000 peopleface homelessness on any given night. Among them are:
Shelters are overburdened, and many individuals lack access to essentials such as food, hygiene, and warm clothing.
In addition to donation campaigns, Umma Foundation has also launched initiatives likeYala Restaurant, a community-based eatery in Staten Island. Yala not only provides delicious halal meals but reinvests proceeds into charitable programs, including support for the homeless. It’s another way we are working to nourish bodies and uplift lives—one meal at a time.
In 2025, Umma Foundation launched aRamadan Container Campaignin partnership with local mosques and Islamic centers, offering New Yorkers a way to give directly to those in need.
We’ve placed donation containers in key locations:
These containers collect:
All items are distributed tohomeless shelters and outreach programsacross New York and New Jersey.
In Islam, caring for the poor and vulnerable is a central part of faith. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“He is not a believer whose stomach is filled while the neighbor to his side goes hungry.”(Sunan al-Kubra)
By giving Sadaqah and supporting our neighbors in hardship, we uphold the values of mercy and brotherhood. Organizations likeIslamic Relief USAexemplify this through programs such as the Day of Dignity, which provides food, clothing, and healthcare to the unhoused.
Here are three easy ways to help:
If you're looking to support trusted organizations fighting homelessness, here are five highly reputable charities worth exploring:
Homelessness isn’t just a statistic—it’s a humanitarian issue happening in our own neighborhoods. With your help, Umma Foundation can bring relief, restore dignity, and show our brothers and sisters they are not forgotten.
📩Questions or want to get involved? Contact us atummafoundation.org/contact
