“It can happen to anyone.”
- gguarton
- Oct 18, 2024
- 2 min read
- LI resident, Brenda D’Alessandro (Newsday, June 2024)
July 11, 2024
Dear Friend of Long Island Coalition for the Homeless:
Homelessness can happen to anyone, and as fellow Long Islanders, we know that everyone, regardless of background, beliefs, or experiences, needs help sometimes. Recently, Newsday published an article about one of the growing groups of unhoused Long Islanders: the working homeless. How can this happen?
In the article by Newsday reporter Lisa Irizarry, LI resident Brenda D’Alessandro spoke about her harrowing experience, and how even as a working professional, she found herself without housing after experiencing common life milestones and challenges. Long Island Coalition for the Homeless was honored to be included in this crucial reporting, and to serve as the lead organization in Nassau and Suffolk Counties in coordinating benefits and services for people experiencing homelessness.
As Long Islanders, we know how uniquely diverse our communities are. With all its natural beauty and convenience, Long Island is also a place where livelihood challenges are common - now more than ever. A familial milestone, losing a job, illness and mounting medical expenses can destabilize lives that once seemed secure. The are many faces of homelessness, and as Brenda D’Alessandro knows, “It can happen to anyone.”
Long Island Coalition for the Homeless is the lead entity addressing homelessness on Long Island. We provide direct care to individuals and families through case management and a helpline for homeless-dedicated housing programs. Our community programs, such as our organic garden, free boutique and pantry provide critical support for individuals and families in need.
For more information on the Coalition, please visit our website for ways you can learn more, volunteer and join us in our fight against homelessness. Please also consider making a donation – every amount makes an impact!
Your partner in progress,
Greta Guarton, LMSW
Executive Director
The article “It can happen to anyone” is really powerful because it shows how homelessness can affect people from different backgrounds, not just one group. It made me think about how quickly life situations can change and how important support systems are for people in need. I remember volunteering at a small school charity event where we helped collect food items, and it opened my eyes to real struggles. During that time, I used online biology exam help when my studies got overwhelming. It reminds me that empathy and awareness can make a big difference in how we see others.