April 2026 Newsletter

Spring is in Full Swing at Neighbors Together

This month at Neighbors Together, we’re celebrating the people and moments that power our work. From the volunteers who support our work daily, tthe ongoing fight for housing justice, to our Brooklyn community coming together for Plates for Change. We’re reminded that real change happens when we come together with purpose, compassion, and a shared commitment to our neighbors.

Two Weeks Until Plates for Change 

We are just two weeks away from our Plates for Change Chef Showcase on May 6th at BRIC House, and we couldn’t be more excited!

This incredible evening brings together community, culinary excellence, and a shared commitment to ending hunger and poverty in Brooklyn. With amazing chefs, delicious food, and powerful impact, it’s a night you won’t want to miss.

There’s still time to grab your tickets! Join us as we celebrate our mission and the community that makes this work possible.

Volunteer Appreciation Month

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we’re taking time to celebrate the incredible people who make our work possible every single day.

Our volunteers are truly the heart and soul of Neighbors Together. They help us prepare and serve over 120,000 meals to over 12,000 individuals every year  -ensuring our neighbors are met with dignity and care.

Their impact goes far beyond the meals they help serve. Volunteers connect us to our broader community and help create the welcoming, supportive environment that defines Neighbors Together.

This month, we were proud to honor our volunteers with certificates of appreciation and celebrate the many ways they strengthen our work. Below are photos of a few of the volunteers we honored this month – Sierra, Joshua, and Brienna!

Thank you, volunteers. We couldn’t do this without you! 

Interested in joining us as a volunteer? Sign up for a volunteer shift here

Expand Access to CityFHEPs Now

Yesterday marked 442 days since Mayor Mamdani promised to drop the CityFHEPS lawsuit and expand access to housing vouchers for New Yorkers living in shelter and rent-burdened tenants in housing court. Yesterday marked 28 days since the administration filed an appeal that blocks this expansion and delaying families’ access to stable housing.

Over 100,000 people sleep in shelters each night across New York City. Without the CityFHEPS program, that number would be even higher.

Expanding access to CityFHEPS is essential to:

• Help families escape the trauma of homelessness
• Prevent eviction for rent-burdened tenants
• Strengthen and stabilize our communities

We are joining our coalition partners to call on the Mayor to drop the legal challenge, move forward with CityFHEPS expansion, and ensure families can access housing now

Families in New York City cannot wait any longer. Our member leader Michael details why this is so important to voucher holders. 

Upcoming Events 

Here’s what we’re up to right now. Stay up-to-date by checking the events section on our website!

• Tuesday, 4/28 
  Fair Housing Conference with Fordham University

• Tuesday, 4/28 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm
  Monthly Social Housing Meeting 

• Friday, 5/1 | 11:00am – 2:00pm 
  Clothing Drive On-Site at Neighbors Together

• Wednesday, 5/6 | 6:30pm – 9:30pm 
  Plates for Change Chef Showcase: Tickets here

Thank you for being part of the Neighbors Together community. Whether you’re attending Plates for Change, volunteering your time, or raising your voice for housing justice, your support makes this work possible. We’re grateful to be in this work with you, and we hope to see you on May 6th!

With Deep Gratitude,

The Neighbors Together Team