Get Involved | New Alternatives for LGBTQ+ Homeless Youth

Get Involved

Our work would not be possible without the many volunteers, donors, and supporters who sustain New Alternatives. As a predominately volunteer-driven and community-funded organization, we need you. Whether offering a monetary donation or giving of your time and talent, your contribution will be invaluable and can change the life of a young person in need.

What Our Volunteers Are Saying

"I was looking for a meaningful place to bring my love of baking. While Jen and I come once a month, I have an almost daily connection with New Alternatives. I think about the clients, the deep happiness I feel when I am there, and of course which cakes to make next.”

~ Sarah Belin-Zerbib

Volunteer

Volunteers are the foundation of New Alternatives and participate in nearly every aspect of our work. Every week, people from throughout the tristate area help prepare meals, run ongoing client groups, and assist with fundraising activities.

Our greatest need is for kitchen volunteers at our weekly community dinners held every Sunday evening from 4–7:30 p.m. To get involved and sign up for shifts, please create a volunteer profile or log in to your volunteer account by using the links below.

Donate

Angel List

Our angel list is a list of donors willing to respond to the individual needs of our LGBTQ+ youth. Requests range from uniforms for a new job to household items for a first apartment. It is the best way to directly impact the lives of our clients and to assist with emergency necessities. You can sign up below to start receiving emails today.

Donate

Become An Angel Donor

Clothing and Household Items

Due to space constraints, New Alternatives does not accept direct donations of used clothing or household supplies. We have partnered with Out My Closet to provide clothing to our clients on a regular basis and recommend that all clothing donations be directed to them. Please do not send any unsolicited donations to our offices as they will be discarded. For other organizations that will accept similar donations in NYC, we have compiled a list that can be downloaded here.

Hygiene Supplies

New Alternatives collects hygiene supplies and toiletries throughout the year and distributes them on a weekly basis. If you would like to join us in providing our clients with the essentials they need for self-care and want to start a toiletries drive, please email contact us to inquire about our current needs. Donated supplies can be brought to Metro Baptist Church at 410 West 40th Street every Sunday from 4–7:00 p.m.

Fundraise

Join us in raising funds for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing homelessness. Simply click one of the start buttons below, create an account, and customize your own fundraising page. Instructions can be downloaded here.

Create A

Fundraising Page

Create a campaign for your birthday, anniversary, graduation, or any other special occasion.

Start

Create A

Sports Campaign

Perfect for anyone participating in a marathon, triathlon, bike race, or physical challenge.

Start

Create A

Holiday Campaign

Charitable giving increases over the holidays. Create a campaign to share with those in need.

Start

Upcoming Events

Trim A Tree

Join the brothers of Excelsior M.C. at Rise Bar in Hell's Kitchen on Friday, December 5, from 8:00–10:30 p.m. for their annual Trim A Tree fundraiser benefiting New Alternatives. For more information or to support the event with a donation, click here.

This Is Home Project

Head over to the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Sunday, December 14, at 7:00 p.m. for a benefit show featuring performances by Annie DiRusso, Cavetown, Dreamer Isioma, Sidney Gish, Sydney Rose, and Tall GFs. Proceeds from ticket sales will be split between New Alternatives and Lambda Literary. To purchase tickets, click here.