Our story
Born on the streets of New York.
Homeward Bound NYC started with a backpack, a few sandwiches, and a belief that every person deserves to be seen. We're still that same organization — just bigger.
Our mission
No New Yorker should face poverty alone.
We exist to meet people where they are — literally. Our volunteers walk the streets and subways of New York City every day, delivering emergency meals and human connection to our unhoused neighbors.
We believe that dignity is the foundation of any real solution to homelessness. Before housing, before job training, before anything else — people need to know someone cares.
Daily
outreach, every day of the year
80+
active volunteers
4
Boroughs served Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan & Bronx
2019
Founded in NYC
How we got here
A timeline of impact.
Founded
Our founder began distributing meals solo out of a backpack in the subway stations of Lower Manhattan.
First volunteers
Word spread. By spring, a core team of 12 volunteers was running daily outreach routes across three boroughs.
Subway outreach program
We launched dedicated subway routes, reaching people in stations and tunnels who rarely see traditional services.
Incorporated as a nonprofit
We became an official 501(c)(3), opening the door to grants, partnerships, and larger-scale operations.
Pandemic shutdown
The pandemic brought operations to a standstill. We lost all our volunteers and had to rebuild from scratch.
10,000 meals served
A milestone we celebrated quietly — with a meal run, of course.
Growing the team
Our volunteer base grew to over 80 active members, with monthly fundraiser events bringing in new supporters.
Application for incorporation and 501(c)(3) status Filed
We officially launched the Homeward Bound NYC Workforce Academy, offering industry-recognized certifications and career pathways to New Yorkers ready to break the cycle of poverty.
The people behind the work
Our team.
Homeward Bound NYC is powered almost entirely by volunteers. Our small paid staff keeps operations running so volunteers can focus on what matters most — showing up.
Jordan Rivera
Executive Director & Founder
Jordan started HBNYC after years of walking past the same faces in the subway and deciding to stop.
Priya Nair
Director of Operations
Priya coordinates our volunteer routes, supply logistics, and partner relationships across all five boroughs.
Marcus Webb
Community Outreach Lead
Marcus has been on the ground with HBNYC since 2020 and leads our subway outreach program.
Board of directors
Our board.
Sandra Okafor
Retired, NYC Department of Social Services
David Lim
Partner, Lim & Associates Law
Theresa Montoya
VP of Community Impact, First Republic Foundation
Kevin Park
Founder, Park Street Consulting
Annual impact
2024 by the numbers.
18,400+
meals delivered
80+
active volunteers
5
boroughs served
365
days of outreach
All figures reflect calendar year 2024. Full financials available upon request.
Ready to be part of this?
Whether you want to volunteer, fundraise, or donate — there's a place for you in this work.