Whole Living Daily

Regardless of our current social or financial status, we might find ourselves in need of food or shelter at some point.

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1 Jim and Anita VarnHagen, Tom Hall, Joe Little, and a few others not in picture do an amazing job running the NYCRM.

2 The 3 chefs: Pedro, Troy, and Moss.

3 The NYCRM was founded by Jerry McAuley.

4 Susan Sarandon has supported the mission for many years. She recently helped out at the Mother's Day Banquet.

5 Chris Wragge from the CBS Early Show also volunteered.

6 I offered my skills as a face painter.

7 Bob Harvey graduated from the program 8 years ago and still volunteers at the mission.

8 This group from North Carolina devoted their spring break to volunteering at the NYCRM.

Thankfully, for those who do, there are places like the New York City Rescue Mission (NYCRM).  I first visited NYCRM in April after Chef Vikas Khanna asked me to work on a short documentary about the mission with director Ronnie Bhardwaj for the Holy Kitchens series.  I was so impressed with the mission that I’ve become a regular volunteer and am excited to share this blog with you.

Founded in 1872 by Jerry and Maria McAuley, NYCRM was America’s first rescue mission and one of New York’s earliest, properly managed homeless shelters.  Self-proclaimed “river thief and rogue”, Jerry McAuley certainly understood that an unhealthy path can be turned around with discipline and proper guidance, for he did just that while imprisoned in Sing Sing in the 1860’s.  His ceaseless self-work and study of the Bible resulted in a full pardon of his crimes.  Soon after, he met his wife Maria (who also had a challenged past) and established the mission with the help of Alfrederick Smith Hatch.

The mission has been running strong ever since.  Originally situated on Water Street, NYCRM moved to their current location at 90 Lafayette Street in 1963.  Today, they provide an average of 500 meals per day and shelter to about 100 men each night!  Let me also mention that a lot of love goes into the food!  I’ve had the honor of volunteering at the mission 4 times over the past few weeks and attest to the fact that the 3 full-time chefs put their hearts into these meals.

NYCRM provides more than just shelter and food.  They have an extremely well managed 9-12 month residential 12-step program that helps men in need work to overcome problems such as alcoholism, drug addiction, social alienation, and physical/emotional abuse.  The program also provides practical training to help participants find and hold down jobs after graduating.

While the program is affiliated with Christianity, people from all faiths are encouraged to join.  Since 2000, there have been well over 100 graduates from the program! It’s been truly humbling to hear stories from the men currently enrolled, and I commend each and every one of them for their hard work and wish them success in the future.

The NYCRM also has a vision: a 3-story addition that will allow them to create a more complete Learning Center, a larger chapel, and a medical clinic and emergency shelter for women.  I’m happy to announce that they’ve raised $5 million of the $11 million needed.  Construction can begin with another $2.5 million of support.  If you’d like to donate (remember, EVERY dollar helps) or volunteer, please visit www.nycrescue.org.

Finally, this great work wouldn’t be possible without the ceaseless dedication of NYCRM’s staff.  The support of notable people such as Kathy Lee Gifford, Susan Sarandon, Chris Wragge, Lionel, and David Bouley, is also invaluable.

I’d like to personally thank PR manager Joe Little for his assistance with this blog and our documentary.

For even more photos, please visit this web gallery.

Sophie Herbert is a yoga teacher, contributing editor to Whole Living, singer and artist. She has lived, studied, and volunteered extensively in India; teaches yoga in Brooklyn and Manhattan; and recently released her first full-length album, "Take a Clear Look." Please visit her website at SophieHerbert.com.