The chilly New York weather has turned on an unfriendly face to the city’s homeless. Fortunately, the legendary Bowery Mission in Manhattan is still open for those needing a refuge from the harsh streets. It is the third oldest rescue mission in the country.
Christian Herald purchased the Bowery Mission, then at 14 Bowery, in 1895. The current mission, located at 227 Bowery, has been within 10 blocks of its original location and is going to stay there in spite of new development near it.
“The construction boom has not affected us badly,” said Matt Krivich, the director of operations at the Bowery Mission. “All we’ve got are new neighbors and new friends.”
The mission offers overnight shelter, warm meals and special programs for up to 25 men, seven days a week. No one who walks in that red door is turned away.
Photo by Anne McCullom
Straggling through the door was Andre Griffin, 63, very friendly but reeking of urine. He has resided here for the last 25 years. “The food is good here and I love the meat.” He liked the staff, too, calling them “a bunch of good guys.”
“Last night all the space in the mission was taken up,” said Mr. Krivich, who stayed late. “I saw new faces that I had not seen last year.”
Mr. Krivich thought that it was the combination of the cold weather and the economic hardships that many families face now. Lately, the temperatures in the city have fallen below 20 degrees. If needed, benches are pushed together and extra mattresses are put on the chapel’s floor to accommodate people.
However, not everyone who enters is homeless, added Mr. Krivich. “Many come here just to eat.” The mission offers free meals three times a day thanks to a generous donor, City Harvest.
On the ground floor was the kitchen, where cooks Kiki and Harry were preparing chicken for dinner. And special meals will be offered for everyone Christmas week.
Photo by Anne McCullom
Donors have kept the nonprofit mission alive. There are currently 28 volunteers working at the mission. Potential volunteers may contact the parent institution at 1-800-BOWERY-1.
Working at the mission has a personal touch for Mr. Krivich because years ago he was homeless himself. “I was very lost, addicted to heroin and lived in a car.”
Today he is encouraged. “I see this all the time that people climb out of the ditch and it rejoices me. We have faith and hope in our lives.”
Photo by Anne McCullom
great job! please keep up the good work!