Senator Roxanne J. Persaud Awards $100,000 NYS Senate Grant to The Doe Fund for New Cargo Vans

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 3, 2024

Contact: Christine Delius | mcdelius@nysenate.gov | (718) 649-7653

(Brooklyn, NY) – Senator Roxanne J. Persaud is proud to announce that a $100,000 capital grant from the New York State Senate was recently awarded to The Doe Fund. This funding was utilized to purchase two new cargo vans for the organization’s Ready, Willing & Able “Men in Blue” crews, who are dedicated to neighborhood and business district clean-up initiatives across New York City.

The recent acquisition of these vans will significantly enhance The Doe Fund’s operations, allowing the "Men in Blue" to better serve the community while also bolstering the organization’s renowned employment training program. Ready, Willing & Able is specifically designed to support men who have faced challenges such as homelessness, incarceration, and unemployment, providing them with the training, skills, and opportunities to rebuild their lives.

"The Doe Fund has long been a pillar of hope and transformation for many New Yorkers," said Senator Persaud. "This grant not only empowers the Men in Blue to keep our city clean, but it also plays a vital role in supporting individuals on their journey to self-sufficiency.”

The Ready, Willing & Able program has gained recognition for its innovative approach to addressing the complexities of homelessness and unemployment. By equipping participants with practical skills and a sense of purpose, The Doe Fund aims to create pathways to stable employment and sustainable living.

"We are grateful for Senator Persaud's support of our Ready, Willing & Able fleet, without which the Men in Blue couldn't service 115 miles of city streets weekly — from sweeping and bagging garbage to power washing, graffiti removal, tree bed watering and so much more. This transitional work experience is a critical part of their journeys to overcome homelessness," said Jennifer Mitchell, President & CEO of The Doe Fund. "It develops essential workplace skills, provides an honest income, and helps the Men in Blue realize the tremendous positive impact they can contribute to their community. At a time when homelessness has reached crisis levels, Senator Persaud's support is an investment in a proven solution."

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