City Relief, formerly known as New York City Relief, is a faith-based charitable organization that focuses on helping the homeless population of the New York City area. The organization converts buses and uses them to distribute supplies and other aid to areas with a large homeless population. ¹

In June 2022, City Relief was cited as a model organization for potential donors in an article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy that urged donors to support building stronger families instead of abortion advocacy. ²

Overview

City Relief is an Elizabeth, New Jersey-based organization that works to aid the homeless in the New York City metropolitan area. The organization distributes hot food, hygiene kits, socks, and prays for the needs of the homeless in the areas they serve. ³

City Relief is a mobile outreach organization. The organization converts buses and travels to areas that are publicized in advance. The buses arrive regardless of weather conditions to serve hot soup and bread and deliver other supplies such as hygiene kits and socks. ⁴

In addition to providing food and clothing to the homeless, City Relief works to connect the homeless to emergency shelters, job programs, and drug and alcohol treatment. ⁵ After an initial referral to job programs or shelter, the organization has a Follow Up Care Team that continues to work with the homeless client. They help them navigate through agencies and government programs. The organization works with more than 250 organizations in the New York City metro area. ⁶

The organization began work as New York City Relief in February 1989 after its founder Richard Galloway, then a successful entrepreneur, mobilized hundreds of volunteers and worked out of donated office space. Galloway said that he made the move from Dallas, Texas after reading Isaiah 58 and being touched by God’s concern for the poor and oppressed. The organization began its mission with a converted 1971 GMC bus. ⁷

In June 2022 after the Dobbs decision held that there was no constitutional right to an abortion, an article appeared op-ed in The Chronicle of Philanthropy urged donors to stop funding abortion advocacy and instead start supporting organizations which help make families stronger. One of the organizations that was cited favorably in the article was City Relief. ⁸

Leadership

Josiah Haken is the chief executive officer of City Relief. ⁹ He was previously the vice president of outreach operations. He also a minister by training. ¹⁰

Ed Herr is the chairman of the board. He is the president and CEO of Herr Foods, Inc. ¹¹

Finances

According to its 2020 tax return, City Relief had revenue of $6,334,801 and expenses of $5,622,707 and assets worth $1,349,138. ¹²

The organization is entirely funded through private donations ¹³ and receives support from businesses and churches in the area. ¹⁴

1. “Our Approach.”  City Relief. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://cityrelief.org/our-approach.
2. Rose, Megan. “Philanthropy Should Focus On Building Stronger Families—Not Supporting Abortion Advocacy.”  Chronicle Of Philanthropy. June 27, 2022. https://www.philanthropy.com/article/philanthropy-should-focus-on-building-stronger-families-not-supporting-abortion-advocacy.
3. “Our Approach.”  City Relief. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://cityrelief.org/our-approach.
4. “Our Approach.”  City Relief. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://cityrelief.org/our-approach.
5. “Our Approach.”  City Relief. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://cityrelief.org/our-approach.
6. “Our Approach.”  City Relief. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://cityrelief.org/our-approach.
7. Our Founders.” City Relief. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://cityrelief.org/our-founders.
8. Rose, Megan. “Philanthropy Should Focus On Building Stronger Families—Not Supporting Abortion Advocacy.” Chronicle Of Philanthropy. Jun. 27, 2022 https://www.philanthropy.com/article/philanthropy-should-focus-on-building-stronger-families-not-supporting-abortion-advocacy.
9. “Our Team.” City Relief. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://cityrelief.org/our-team.
10. “About Me.”  Josiah Haken. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://www.josiahhaken.com/about-me.
11. “Our Team.” City Relief. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://cityrelief.org/our-team.
12. City Relief. Return of an Organization Exempt From Income Tac (Form 990). 2020. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/112974154/202140819349300544/full.
13. “Our Founders.” City Relief. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://cityrelief.org/our-founders.
14. “Our Partners.”  City Relief. Accessed July 18, 2022. https://cityrelief.org/our-partners.