Our Volunteers
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Deborah Braff, Volunteer
"I saw men being ostracized and neglected, losing jobs and apartments. I knew I had to do something." -
Shelly Woolman, Volunteer
"I am grateful for the opportunity to learn even more about fashion and merchandising from my “on-the-job” experiences." -
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Sara Depczenski
hen it comes to Proust, world travel or fashion history, Sara Depczenski can talk anyone under the table; and when on the topic of Housing Works – “the hub of creative forces in NYC” – Sara is undoubtedly one of the organization’s biggest cheerleaders. -
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Jane Klain, Volunteer
"Housing Works has always represented an important mindset, which is one of hope." -
Robyn Schwartz
When my husband and I moved to Genova, Italy in 2008 , there were a lot of things I had to give up—my fulfilling nonprofit job, my lovely Park Slope neighborhood, proximity to family and friends, bagels (although I eventually learned how to make them myself)—the list goes on. And high on that litany of New York-centric things I dearly missed was my weekly shift at the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe. -
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Jill Devoe, Volunteer
"It makes sense to let people be themselves and be human and get basic care." -
Norma Reinhardt Mascarotti, Thrift Shops Volunteer
“I had worked all my life and still wanted to be involved in something." -
Michael Adams, Volunteer
"I know that while I'm doing a tiny bit of good, I will also learn something, laugh a lot, and feel that we are all truly appreciated for the time we spend there. I doubt there are many such places that can compare." -
Annie Cofone, Gramercy Thrift Store Volunteer
Moving to New York City is never a straight line — or if it is, say like moving from Bloomington, IN straight to lower Manhattan, the small matter of culture shock and anonymity could be a bit daunting. -
Mike Panchak, Volunteer
"I volunteer for the fun of it, the mission, and the great friendships among staff and volunteers. There’s a lot of hard work, comradery and mutual respect." -
Ayana Mortley, Thrift Shops Volunteer
"We have to take care of people who have HIV but also prevent infections."
