Relief Programs

We give families in crisis essentials for survival

Every day, families who were forced to leave the homes they knew, whether from eviction or domestic violence, find comfort and dignity in the essentials we provide them. Our health educators and social services coordinators distribute clothing, nutritious food, diapers, hygiene kits, and other baby and personal care needs that are often difficult to find or access. During the holidays, we invite families to Candy Cane Lane, an annual holiday event where they can select warm clothing, toys and other gifts for the season, and our Good Health Shuttle provides round-trip, door-to-door transportation to care.

Programs

Basic Relief

Essentials for those who have lost everything

A new mother needing diapers, wipes, and baby blankets; hungry kids in search of nourishment; families needing fresh garments and underwear after leaving home with only the clothes on their backs. Our patients often come to us during times of crisis and lack so many things we take for granted, such as soap and a toothbrush. We provide these essentials along with their care so they can heal and take a first step toward a fresh start. Volunteers — who take in, sort, and organize the shoes, clothes, blankets, personal care products, and other goods that are donated for this purpose — are vital to this program.

Candy Cane Lane

Where holiday dreams come true

One week every December, we invite patient families who will be spending their holidays in shelters or safe houses to an enchanted event we call Candy Cane Lane. In The Floating Hospital Community Center, families are greeted with their own personal shoppers (through the help of our volunteers) to help them choose from the array of free clothes, gift cards, and merchandise — such as new winter coats and outerwear, warm pjs, toys, books, games, and other gifts for the holidays. They leave with bags of presents and leave us with infinite good cheer.

Good Health Shuttle

A driving force in healthcare

The Floating Hospital removes transportation as a barrier to medical care by providing free, round-trip vehicle transportation to patients in shelters or domestic violence safe houses all over the city, and public housing developments in Northwest Queens.

Literacy Initiatives

Reading is fundamental

Low literacy rates are considered a risk factor for homelessness as well as a barrier to transcending it, and can lead to further instability. Studies have shown that when literacy support is part of housing, employment, and health programs, those services work better for their participants. The Floating Hospital has incorporated literacy programs into its “more than healthcare” model, partnering with Reach Out and Read of Greater New York to provide books to families with young children to read aloud together and develop early literacy skills. Joan Brancaccio, chair of our foundation board, has created her own “Story Time” program, where books for all ages are collected and distributed at our clinics and the shelters we serve, while our volunteers read stories for children.

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