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Where to donate winter coats for NYC migrants
By
Karen Yi
Published Dec 16, 2023
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Fatih Aktas/Anadolu via Getty Images
By
Karen Yi
Published Dec 16, 2023
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Nonprofits and mutual aid groups are gearing up this winter to make sure newly arriving migrant families have clothes to stay warm through the cold months.
Groups say they help hundreds of new arrivals a week, providing hot meals, legal aid, English classes or afterschool programs. Many arrive without adequate winter clothes to protect them from lower temperatures.
Already, single adult migrants who have exhausted their 30-day stays in the city's shelter system — under restrictions imposed by Mayor Eric Adams — have waited outside for hours in freezing temperatures to reapply for new beds. During a week in late November, many lacked gloves or hats and had to endure 20-degree weather in hoodies.
Migrant families with children face a similar fate after the holidays, when the city is expected to begin enforcing 60-day limits on stays. Families who still need shelter will have to reapply at an intake center at the Roosevelt Hotel in Midtown. City Hall has said the policy is meant to make room for newer arrivals and encourage migrants to leave the city’s care. City shelters currently house more than 65,000 migrants.
Gothamist compiled a list of organizations that are accepting new and used donations of coats, winter clothing or other supplies for children.
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Brooklyn
What: The Rev. Juan Carlos Ruiz said the church helps about 500 asylum-seekers every week, and that many lack proper winter clothes. The church is accepting winter coats and boots for people of all ages, except extra-large sizes.
Where: 7420 Fourth Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11209
When: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
University Community Social Services, Manhattan
What: The University Community Social Services soup kitchen, also known as the Meatloaf Kitchen, serves migrants and homeless families and runs a clothing closet. Organizers say they need winter coats and jackets, hats, gloves and any other winter wear, mostly for men. They also accept men's shirts, boots, sneakers, sweatshirts, sweatpants, jeans, new underwear and socks.
Where: 137 E Second St., New York, NY 10009
When: Any Saturday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., but preferably between meal services from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Gambian Youth Organization, Bronx
What: The organization accepts new or gently used men’s clothing, hygiene products, gloves, hats, scarves, and new or gently used shoes. You can also donate online through the organization's Target registry.
Where: 214 E. 181st St., Bronx, NY 10457
When: Reach out via email at [email protected] or text 347-949-8363 to coordinate a drop-off time.
Bushwick Ayuda Mutua, Brooklyn
What: Bushwick Mutual Aid seeks coats and winter clothing donations but accepts seasonally appropriate clothing year-round for its twice-monthly distributions. They also host monthly furniture distributions. Those interested in donating furniture can fill out this form.
Where: 176 St Nicholas Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11237
When: Jan. 6 and Jan. 20 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Any other day between noon and 7 p.m. at Mil Mundos Bookstore, 323 Linden St., Brooklyn, NY 11237.
Manna of Life, Bronx
What: The organization accepts winter clothing such as hats, gloves, sweaters and coats.
Where: 1101 Boston Rd, Bronx, NY 10456
When: Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. Email Erbin Cobian at [email protected] or call 917-549-8595 to ensure someone is on site to receive donations.
Many migrants arrive to New York City without winter clothes, advocates say.
Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images
Ballet Hispánico, Manhattan, and Rising Ground, Brooklyn
What: The organizations are teaming up to collect clothing for newly arrived children who are unaccompanied or with their siblings. They accept clothing for teenagers ages 15-17 and children ages 0-3. To donate online, visit their Amazon list.
Where: 167 W. 89th St., New York, NY 10024
When: Donations can be dropped off in person until Dec. 20, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Salvation Army Corps
What: New coats and clothes can be dropped off at community centers and used clothing must be dropped off at thrift stores where migrant families can use vouchers to purchase items.
Where: Search the nearest community center or thrift store here.
When: Operating hours vary by location.
Center for Family Life in Sunset Park, Brooklyn
What: The organization no longer has storage space for clothing donations but is still seeking new diapers, feminine hygiene products or basic hygiene supplies.
Where: 443 39th St., Brooklyn, NY 11232
When: Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Rauschenbusch Metro Ministries, Manhattan
Where: 410 W 40th St., New York, NY 10018
When: Every Monday from 10-11:30 a.m.
Judson Memorial Church, Manhattan
Where: 55 Washington Square S., New York, NY 10012
When: Every Monday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Next Step Community Church, Brooklyn
Where: 360 Schermerhorn St., Brooklyn, NY 11217
When: Every Tuesday from 9-11 a.m.
Repair the World, Brooklyn
Where: 808 Nostrand Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11216
When: Every Friday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
A food and clothing distribution center in P.S 20 in Manhattan in Feb. 2023.
Michael Appleton/Mayoral Photography Office
The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City
What: The nonprofit partners with city agencies and community partners and recommends donating new clothing, toiletry and hygiene items at the following locations.
Mission Church John 3:16, Manhattan
518 West 168th St., New York, NY
Tuesday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Iglesias Jovenes Cristianos, Brooklyn
8700 18th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11214
Sunday from noon-4 p.m.
The Bridge, Brooklyn
1894 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11210
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
New Life Church, Bronx
2757 Morris Ave., Bronx, NY 10468
Call 718-562-2230 before drop off
Salvation Army Jamaica Community Center, Queens
90-23 161st St., Jamaica, NY 11432
Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The Central Family Life Center, Staten Island
59 Wright St., Staten Island, NY 10304
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Asylum Seekers
Karen Yi
Karen Yi covers homelessness and poverty. She joined the WNYC and Gothamist newsroom in 2020. Before that, Karen covered Newark for the Star-Ledger and spent almost a decade working for newspapers in New Jersey and Florida. She grew up in Miami and has a dog named Cashew. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or Signal 917-589-1460.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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