An appeal from Philip Trzynka, Executive Director of SAFH

March, 2010

We live in a changed world. Two planes changed the face of lower Manhattan. Gentrification has changed our neighborhood. The face of hunger is also changing. Our area was once known for homelessness, now real estate prices spiral ever higher. But desperately hungry people still live here, hungry people who need our help.

We are Trinity's Services and Food for the Homeless, (SAFH), an acronym we pronounce "safe." We operate out of Trinity Lower East Side Lutheran Parish, working to help people feel safe -- safe in the assurance of lunch today, full cupboards this week, and ways to overcome future food emergencies. We are a non-sectarian organization that offers food and services to people regardless of race, religion, immigration status, or sexual orientation. Financial security was exploded for many after last fall's recession. For others it was elusive before and feels unobtainable now. SAFH is a real safety net for individuals and families in New York City's Lower East Side through daily Soup Kitchen, Food Pantry, and medical, legal, and referrals programs.

Since 1986 SAFH's Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry have been vital services for the undocumented, the displaced, the working poor, and the homeless. In 2009 SAFH's Soup Kitchen provided 82,133 hot, well- balanced, nutritious meals, and our food pantry provided 123,129 meals. At the same time SAFH has seen a sizeable decrease in donor giving. SAFH ended the year with receipts nearly $30,000 under our $393,000 budget. We need your help now more than ever if we are to keep our doors open to meet the expanding need for emergency food.

We must raise an additional $60,000 by the end of this year to remain viable. If you are able to help, the best way to give is to go to our website at safhnyc.org and donate online immediately! Or you can send your check directly to

Trinity's Services and Food for the Homeless, Inc.
602 E. 9^th St.
New York, NY 10009