Leadership, Action & Deep Gratitude
This month at Neighbors Together, we’re celebrating the people and moments that remind us what community looks like — from lifting up our staff’s leadership, gathering in joy, and pushing back on harmful budget cuts. Our work is rooted in connection, dignity, and a shared fight for justice. Here’s what we’ve been up to — and how you can stand with us.
Earlier this month, our Café Operations Manager Sandro Ortega represented Neighbors Together at City Harvest’s Serving Together Series. The panel focused on Building Strong Volunteer Teams, and Sandro shared what it takes to sustain a welcoming, community-powered soup kitchen serving hundreds of meals a day.
We’re proud to see his leadership recognized and grateful to City Harvest for creating a space to exchange knowledge and strengthen our collective impact.
Want to connect with Sandro and volunteer in our Community Café? Send him an email
New York City is facing a food insecurity crisis — and the Mayor’s proposed budget includes $2 million in cuts to emergency food.
Meanwhile:
Over 1.2 million New Yorkers are food insecure
Emergency food need is 80% higher than before the pandemic
Food prices are up 25% since 2019
In response, we’ve launched a letter campaign demanding that the city fund emergency food at $100 million — the level proposed by City Council and backed by advocates across the city.
Stand with us: sign the letter urging the mayor to fully fund emergency food in FY26
This month, we’re saying farewell to one of our incredible staff members: Sireen Badr, our Member Advocate in the Empowerment Program.
In less than a year, Sireen helped 21 members secure stable housing and is continuing to walk alongside 10 more in their search. Her impact has been nothing short of transformational.
While we’ll miss her deeply, we’re thrilled to see her continue her mission beyond our walls — helping even more voucher holders across NYC find safe, dignified homes.
In May, we hosted a special Happy Hour at Boutros in support of Neighbors Together — it was a beautiful night full of conversation, connection, and shared commitment.
From longtime supporters to new friends, every guest brought heart and purpose to the evening. These moments of togetherness remind us: community is our greatest strength.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, raised a glass, and stood in solidarity with our work. We can’t do this without you.
Thank You
Whether we’re helping someone find a home, feeding hundreds of our neighbors, or demanding funding for food justice, we’re able to keep showing up because you do too.
We’re working to building a city where everyone has what they need — and we’re grateful to be doing it with you.
With Deep Gratitude,
The Neighbors Together Team
