Havens Relief Fund Society

Havens supports the self determination of at-risk New York City individuals and families by engaging a network of volunteer community leaders and professionals to make modest one-time grants designed to address a personal financial crisis, improve quality of life, or increase opportunities. The beneficiaries could include: survivors of fires, floods or other disasters making their home uninhabitable, families without income due to the sudden death or incapacity of the primary wage earner, those needing interim help while they search for employment after unexpected job loss, families at imminent risk of eviction and/or utility shutoff, survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, adolescents aged out of the foster care system, immigrants and refugees, children of incarcerated parents, families with medically fragile children, or intellectually disabled adults living independently. Beneficiaries are identified by trained volunteers. During 2024, Havens made 2,114 grants. The average grant was $761 for larger grants, the grant process requires documentation submission and approval by Havens staff and/or two board members. Grants consist of payments to landlords, utilities, stores, and other vendors and, in some cases, payments directly to beneficiaries for approved goods and services. Written reports are prepared for all grants, and these reports are reviewed annually by the executive director and by the board. Havens has a single program for making grants that consists of the direct active conduct of charitable activities. Direct program grants by nature of expense are as follows:expenditure categories almoner expendituresrent/mortgage $542,191furniture/appliances 341,081clothing 106,186utilities 101,359toiletries/household items 86,879immigration 80,444food 69,182moving & storage 56,311health/medical 54,702childcare/baby 40,222job training/education 37,004transportation 30,569other 62,744 total expenditures 2024 $1,608,874 total grants 2,114