September 19, 2024
Dear Friend of the Coalition,
It's hard to believe but fall arrives next week! The summer at the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless happened in a flash. We were busy with school supply drives, and volunteer events in the LICH Boutique and Pantry, and spent our Wednesdays in our organic Veteran's Garden! I want to express my gratitude for a wonderful summer of support, as September is shaping up to be a great start to the season of thanks. Here are some highlights from the last few weeks!
In August, our 2024 Backpack Pirates (BPP) event served nearly 200 children from seven shelters on Long Island. It was a fantastic day full of face painting, swimming, dancing, ice cream eating and back to school "shopping" with our incredible volunteers, many who come back each year. We want to thank new and continuing supporters, as well as our incredible 2024 BPP sponsors, including the Sands New York, Target, Babylon Rotary Club, Concern Housing, Jovia, Reworld, Northwell Health, Christmas Magic, and KPMG. A special thank you to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office for working with LICH to connect with our community!
Earlier this month, LICH and Concern Housing helped celebrate ten years of bringing community-based nonprofits together under one roof at the Amityville Community Resource Center (ACRC). The ACRC is home to eight nonprofits and a hub of services for Long Islanders in need. It is adjacent to Liberty Village, an affordable housing complex for veterans and their families. The 10th Anniversary Celebration followed a ceremony led by the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless and Concern Housing. Thanks to Concern Housing's Executive Director, Ralph Fasano, for being the event MC! A special thank you to speakers and attendees, especially Senator Monica Martinez, Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Legislator Rebecca Sanin, Legislator Jason Richberg, Babylon Town Council Members Antonio Martinez and DuWayne Gregory, Babylon Town Clerk Gerry Compitello, and representatives from the offices of Governor Kathy Hochul, and Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre.
And finally, a "paw-some" collaboration is underway! ELIJA (Empowering Long Island's Journey through Autism) Farm and the Coalition are excited to announce a partnership called Woof Wednesday! Woof Wednesday shines a light on the diverse autistic community on Long Island, the challenges people with disabilities face in finding and maintaining housing, and how pets bring so much to our lives – and impact options for the unhoused and unsheltered. Each Wednesday, the ELIJA Farm marketplace will be stocked with dog biscuits made in-house at ELIJA's bakery. Biscuit sales will benefit autism services and services for people experiencing homelessness in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Later in October, LICH will participate in ELIJA's Fall Festival, generously sponsored by Reworld! Drop by the farm on October 26th and say hello! More to come!
I am overwhelmed by the generosity of spirit and kindness our communities bring when we work together. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support. Wishing everyone a wonderful few weeks as the seasons change.
With warm appreciation,
Greta 🐾
Greta Guarton, LMSW, Executive Director
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