On Christmas Day at 10 a.m., The Doe Fund is holding its Virtual Mama Doe Memorial and lighting a virtual candle in remembrance of the homeless lives lost this year. The event will consist of a video tribute, followed by candlelight vigils at each of The Doe Fund’s three transitional residences.
As essential workers, the Men in Blue have kept New Yorkers safe by providing enhanced sanitation services since day one of the pandemic. In a year when homelessness surged throughout New York, The Doe Fund has offered itself as a crucial resource in the city’s recovery.
The organization opened three affordable and supportive housing residences in 2021, testified before the City Council on the state of homelessness, and partnered with the Mayor’s City Cleanup Corps initiative. Through this partnership, Ready, Willing & Able has expanded across all five boroughs, providing safe, clean streets as well as opportunity to hundreds of people experiencing economic hardship.
On Christmas Day 1985, a homeless woman known only as “Mama” died of pneumonia after police evicted her from Grand Central Terminal into the freezing cold the night before. The Doe Fund—named after the countless John and Jane Does who died while homeless—has since helped over 29,000 people who have experienced addiction, homelessness, and incarceration reclaim their lives through paid work, housing, and supportive services.