The life of millions of New Yorkers has dramatically changed as the COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to a complete halt. Unfortunately, reported data illustrates how the virus is impacting low-income communities of color disproportionately in New York City. Our very own communities of Elmhurst and Corona have been hit the hardest as Queens has become the epicenter of the epicenters for the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of our neighbors, especially immigrants, have lost their jobs and do not have access to safety net programs. These hard-working immigrants are single mothers, are not eligible to receive unemployment and do not qualify for stimulus programs.

The Need

The need is a most basic need. Most of our immigrant families do not have the income or resources to afford to purchase food and do not qualify for food programs. Currently many neighborhoods like Corona and Elmhurst do not have established food pantries to meet the need. Recently, the news highlighted how a “pop-up” food pantry established by Catholic Charities where the line begun forming at 4 a.m. and extended for over twenty city blocks.

Our Response

We applaud the many community organizations that have stepped up that have been helping our most vulnerable in our communities by providing them free food. However, the current demand far exceeds the resources currently available. The reality that families are going hungry at this most difficult time is just heartbreaking.

We can do more for our neighbors and our communities. That is why Neighborhood Housing Services of Queens, in partnership with our supporters and community organizations, are coming together to address the need. We are asking for individuals, families, and organizations to adopt a family during this difficult time.

How You Can Help

You can adopt a family by making a one-time or recurring donation. Donations of $180 will cover the costs of two-week groceries (including delivery) for our most vulnerable neighbors in the communities of Elmhurst and Corona. While we are initially helping our neighbors in Elmhurst and Corona, we hope to help more of our neighbors in other communities in Queens.

Thank YOUs

We can’t do this alone- it truly takes a village and we want to thank the following entities that have made this initiative possible:

The Fierro Family , The Ferreras-Copeland Family The Quesada Family

The Hispanic Federation’s Nonprofit Emergency Assistance Fund

Cesar Tavares from Keyfood Supermarkets and his Team

LAGUARDIA REDEVELOPMENT Team



New York Community Trust

Sterling National Bank Charitable Foundation

Kinetic Communities and TD Bank

Kiwanis Club of LaGuardia Airport

Empire BlueShield BlueCross HealthPlus

East Elmhurst-Corona Civic Association, Inc.

Create The Remarkable

Arriba Arjona

Our Local grassroots organizations partners

Our Resilient Vecinxs/Neighbors from Corona, E. Elmhurst and Jackson Heights Queens)