About Us!

WANA advocates and coordinates resources for those seeking safety from oppression; we center the lived experiences of those navigating poverty and economic insecurity, specifically food, housing, and immigration.

Community

WANA uses a local development model, where work is led by those who reflect the experiences of the community. WANA works to maintain a safe space for people; we treat differences in race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender presentation, sexuality, legal status, and language with respect, dignity, and joyful welcome.

Our clients are low-income, women, immigrants, the elderly, a few children, Black, Latino, gender non-conforming, living with mobility related health conditions, managing issues related to addiction and were previously justice-involved.

At our shelter, we serve clients from over 40 countries; most clients are of West African or South American descent and have fled persecution because of their religion, political stance, gender or sexuality. Through our case management, we link guests to appropriate resources, such as ESL classes, legal counsel or support groups.

Current Events

The past decade NYC has seen the largest income gap (US Census, 2022).
The top 20% earn $371,754 and the bottom 20% earn $8,844 (US Census, 2022).
It has seen a 52% increase in homelessness from 31,000 to over 54,600 people (US Census, 2022).
In Manhattan Community Board 9, 25.3% of people live below the poverty line (US Census, 2022).

In 2019, the poverty rate in Manhattan Community Board 9 was 19.6%, compared to 16.0% citywide (NYU Furman Center).

Between 2017 and 2020 87% of young children in NYC spent at least a year living below 200% of the poverty (Robinhood Poverty Tracker).

Impact

**Serve 249, 600 Meals**
**Distribute Food to 16,800 People**
**Distribute Food 6,400 People**
**Distribute 1,200 Care Packages**
**Coordinate 30 Community Events**
**Engage 2,400 people in a ongoing social activities**
**Coordinate 100 Referrals**
**Coordinate Case Management for 50 People**
**Sponsor 6 Clients Leaving Detention**
**Obtain Transitional Housing for 25 People**
**Obtain Permanent Housing for 10 People**
**Work with 30 interns and fellows**
**Develop 5 new partnerships**
**Offer 3 professional development training certificates**
**Distribute $12,000 in emergency relief gifts at our shelter**
**Distribute $10,400 in emergency relief gifts to the community**

“I would like to thank everyone at WANA for your great job you do every day towards the community; the love and the positive energy you give to people. Spending time with WANA changed my life. I have learned a lot from the wonderful people of WANA Community Centre and your love made me joyful and helped me overcome all the struggles of everyday life. Thank you for all the Support you give to the guests. I am personally very grateful for all. Without WANA, I wouldn’t have the best opportunities, moments and memories I had experienced with each and every one of you. Thank you”. -RB

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