A proposed $50,000 City Streets Survival Fund will support the work of John Sheehan, LMSW, director of the Fifth Avenue Ecumenical Outreach Partnership. The Partnership is a collaborative ministry of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church, Saint Thomas Church and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The new fund will cover out-of-pocket expenses incurred on behalf of more than 350 clients, such as job fairs, public transportation, emergency shelter stays, and legal and healthcare costs. It will also provide for clothing, bottled water, hand sanitizer, food and other basic necessities that John offers to individuals he meets during his daily street outreach.

The Fund will also provide an ongoing resource for refugee families that receive support from the church in their resettlement. In keeping with a legacy of support for immigrants and refugees, the church continues to provide support for the family of Pastor Khurshid Sharif, refugees from Pakistan who are now living in Philadelphia, and other refugees who have been guided by the Spirit to our church.

“We have received a $25,000 gift from a generous donor that will enable us to match all contributions to the City Streets Survival Fund,” Senior Pastor Scott Black Johnston announced. “We hope that not only our fellow New Yorkers, but all who have a heart for the homeless and the refugee, will support this life-saving ministry.”