On a scorching summer day in June, while most sought refuge from the heat, the Defeat the Streets NYC team leaned into the spirit of giving. They rolled up their sleeves at The Bowery Mission, located at 227 Bowery in Manhattan—a cornerstone organization that meets essential needs and builds transformative community for New Yorkers overcoming homelessness and poverty.

With over 130,000 people sleeping in public shelters each night and a citywide poverty rate nearly double the national average, the need in New York is urgent—and deeply human. Our team was humbled and honored to stand alongside Bowery staff and serve our neighbors in crisis.

Throughout the day, our volunteers prepared nearly 280 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, sorted and assembled pastries, chopped fresh vegetables, and crafted a vibrant salad to help feed the many guests who depend on this vital support. The Bowery Mission provides more than 400,000 meals, 65,000 nights of shelter, and 27,000 articles of clothing each year—restoring dignity one person at a time.

This day wasn’t just about preparing meals—it was about meeting others with care, compassion, and connection.

At Defeat the Streets, we believe that small acts of service, done with great heart, can ripple into profound impact. It’s why we show up—in the heat, in the quiet moments, and in the places where need is often overlooked. Volunteering at The Bowery Mission reminded us that even amidst towering city streets and staggering statistics, humanity always lives in the details—in a sandwich packed with care, a smile exchanged over a serving line, or a moment of eye contact that says, you matter.

We left inspired, grateful, and more committed than ever to our mission of everyday philanthropy. Because when ordinary people come together to do extraordinary things, hope takes root—even in the hottest days of summer.