The Hudson Gateway Realtor® Foundation, the charitable arm of the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors®, recently presented a check for $3,500 to Lifting Up Westchester (LUW) in White Plains, which provides life-changing support to people who have lost their housing or are struggling to meet other basic needs. It helps individuals find stable housing and builds on that foundation to achieve greater self-sufficiency. LUW provides comprehensive support to 2,500 Westchester residents in crisis by providing emergency shelter, food and support to keep people safe; facilitating employment readiness and securing job opportunities to increase and sustain income; finding safe and affordable homes of all types; providing ongoing support to maintain the stability of that housing; coordinating and navigating community resources to obtain personalized support; and offering education and mentoring services to youth who are homeless or in unstable housing so they can achieve success.
Its Community Kitchen is the largest in White Plains and feeds 70 to 90 people per day. Guests also receive donated clothing, toiletries and other support services to help strengthen their independence. LUW also operates the Open Arms men’s shelter and Samaritan House women’s shelter where individuals can find support as they look for permanent housing, employment and other support.
“We are so grateful to the Hudson Gateway Realtor Foundation for their generous support,” said Anahaita Kotval, CEO of Lifting Up Westchester. “We are united with our community partners like the Hudson Gateway Realtor Foundation by one, bold and unwavering belief: that stable housing is the foundation on which human wellbeing and advancement is built. When people have a secure, affordable home, they can focus on advancing their employment, education and health. When we support others in living healthier and more productive lives, our entire community benefits.”