Buy a Winter Coat for a Kid

Overview

Hearts of Gold was founded in 1996 by Deborah Koenigsberger, a former model and a fashion industry stylist who owns a successful women’s clothing boutique, Noir et Blanc… Bis, established in 1989 in Manhattan’s Chelsea district. Her caring nature was touched by the struggles of homeless women in her neighborhood, so in 1996 she founded Hearts of Gold, a not-for-profit organization that exists to improve the lives of New York City’s homeless mothers and their children. Hearts of Gold has raised more than $1.6 million in support of city shelters including Icahn House East, LLC; Nazareth Housing; and the former Alexander Abraham Residence. In 2008, Hearts of Gold adopted a new shelter, Semiperm HDFC. The organization has attracted the support of such luminaries as Emme Aronson, Bobbi Brown, Kirsten Dunst, Edie Falco, Marcia Gay Harden, Ivana, Hoda Kotb, Laura Linney, Soledad O’Brien, Susan Sarandon, Tamara Tunie, Vanessa L. Williams, and Stevie Wonder.

Mission

Hearts of Gold is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that exists to improve the lives of New York City’s homeless mothers and their children. The Mission of Hearts of Gold is to enhance the lives of New York City's homeless mothers and their children. Hearts of Gold’s goal is to prepare families to exit the shelter system and thrive on their own. Hearts of Gold is a small, tightly-run organization with big impact, effectively leveraging volunteers, donors and donations to provide critical services to the sheltered homeless.

Programs

Hearts of Gold Programs: Hearts of Gold provides everything from diapers, winter coats, and summer camp tuition for the children; to mammograms, career counseling and landlord negotiations for the mothers. Hearts of Gold’s programs include:

“Let’s Celebrate” promotes family unity and socialization skills, bringing Hearts of Gold alumni, mothers and children together for monthly holiday, birthday and baby-shower events. The organization provides gift packages for each occasion including much-needed clothing, toiletries, and school supplies. Hearts of Gold’s “Coats & Clothing for Christmas” program enables our shelter families to select warm winter clothing.

“Homeward Bound” strengthens mothers and children’s resolve during their stay at the shelter, and as they move to permanent housing, offers practical as well as emotional support. Programs include a “Baby Shower In A Bag” filled with newborn necessities; “Move Out” packages for families leaving the shelter; the Alumni Support Group; financial and legal assistance; and physical improvements to the shelters.

“Empowerment = Achievement” enhances self-esteem and self-sufficiency by supporting the shelters' life skills and job training initiatives. Programs include homework help and summer camp programs for children, the Origins-sponsored “Pampering Extravaganza” for moms, clothing fairs, and fun day trips to local attractions for shelter and alumni families.

"Working It" rewards moms for caring for their children and themselves socially and academically, enhancing self-esteem and self-sufficiency. This program treats deserving mothers to a "Pampering Extravaganza" which rewards personal growth and positive parenting skills. HOG tops it off with a $100 gift certificate to ORIGINS beauty products. New and lightly - used clothing is dry cleaned and distributed at clothing fairs throughout the year to enhance families wardrobes and provide interview outfits for moms returning to the workforce.