Our Services Are Essential

These are stressful and frightening times for all of us, but particularly so for victims of gender violence who are isolated with abusive partners and survivors who are struggling to get back on their feet.

Sanctuary for Families’ legal, counseling, shelter and economic empowerment programs are adapting to meet the emerging needs of gender violence survivors across New York City while we go on lockdown.

Read the blog from our Executive Director for updates on our services and browse the resources we’ve developed for survivors below. Help us get the word out by sharing! #WeAreSanctuary and together, we’re #NewYorkStrong.

Learn about our service changes

Safety Plans

Domestic Violence

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Sex Trafficking

A Guide for Trafficking Survivors
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Guía para sobrevivientes de trata de personas
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How to Obtain an Order of Protection During COVID-19

As courts have gone wholly virtual due to COVID-19, Sanctuary’S Virtual Courtroom Advocates Project (VCAP) is helping New Yorkers experiencing domestic violence petition orders of protection in Virtual Family Court.

Learn more

What Immigrant Survivors Need to Know about the Public Charge Rule

Many noncitizen gender violence survivors are excluded from recent changes to the Public Charge Rule. In this time of economic uncertainty, we strongly urge immigrant survivors to speak with their case managers before canceling important benefits.

Learn more

Keeping Children Engaged and Active at Home

Sanctuary’s Child Care experts have put together a list of resources to help families across New York navigate the stressful circumstances that have resulted from the continuing spread of the Coronavirus.

Browse activities

Food Banks & Pantries

Food Bank NYC
NYC Common Pantry
Hunger Free America
NYC 311
Go to Site Type and search “Food Provider”

NYC Department of Education is distributing 3 free meals to all New Yorkers. Children and families can pick up meals between 7:30am and 11:30am and adults can pick up between 11:30am and 1:30pm for adults. Meal hubs operate Monday – Friday. No registration or ID required.
Find a pick-up site

Laptops & iPads for Students

To help students stay connected during emergencies, the Department of Education is lending internet-enabled iPads and laptops to support remote learning for public school students in NYC.

Priority is being given to students in shelter and temporary housing, those with individualized education programs, and English language learners.

Apply for an iPad

Free Internet

Comcast is offering 60 days free to students who do not have access to the internet and offering free Xfinity WiFi hotspots to all.
Comcast’s services

Spectrum is offering 60 days of free to students, K-12 and college, and teachers who do not have access to any internet service. No installation fees.
Spectrum’s services

Dish & Cox are offering up to 60 days of free internet.
Cox’s services
Dish’s services

Mental Health

New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence 24/7 Hotline
1.800.942.6906

NYC Well – Talk, text, chat 24/7
Learn more

Free or fair cost online wellness led by people of color, womxn & queer folks
See post

Immigrants Rising virtual wellness gatherings
Learn more

Bedtime FM – Stories for kids
Listen

Like You – a mindfullness podcast for kids
Listen

How You Can Help

Supporting survivors during this challenging time is critical. Please consider making a donation to either our Fund for Vulnerable Families our our general donation page.

Your support will cover the cost of:

Basic hygiene items and help us meet the emerging needs of our clients
Food for our shelters and survivors who are struggling to cover the costs of stockpiling essentials
Remote learning platforms, laptops, and wifi hotspots for survivors
Video conferencing tools for our service providing staff
Deep cleanings which will help us protect our staff and client

“Our clients already face such huge obstacles in their everyday life. I have a client who has a job that won’t provide paid leave to home school her child – she feels like she is forced to choose between educating her child or feeding her child.”

Lauren, Staff Attorney

“Many clients rely on Sanctuary’s food pantry… Those who are not able to take off work expressed child care concerns, and may be forced to leave children with their abusive partners. Some have expressed fear of being questioned about their immigration status if they were to access medical care at emergency rooms.”

Thalia, Case Manager

“There is so much uncertainty about Coronavirus that is causing anxiety and stress as days go by. Some are worried about their safety since they are stuck at home with the abusers. As I’m providing counseling, clients have expressed that they feel isolated and scared of stepping outside of the house.”

Asma, Counselor

The 2020 Census Has Begun

In this time of unprecedented change and uncertainty, it’s now more important than ever that our government responds to the needs of the people. We urge all New Yorkers, including noncitizens, to fill out the census so that our voices are heard!

Make Sure You're Counted