about us

our mission

The Yale Hunger and Homelessness Action Project is a student-run not-for-profit organization that works on behalf of New Haven's homeless and near-homeless communities. Through direct service, fundraising, education, and advocacy, we aim to alleviate the immediate effects of homelessness while working to address its root causes and pursuing long-term solutions.

8,000

hours of service annually

120

active volunteers

what we do

At the core of our work are nine service projects, which range from a weekly soup kitchen to a case management agency providing assistance with housing and employment. The YHHAP Board runs an additional thirteen projects, which address homelessness on an institutional level. Our board projects range from a fundraising campaign to protect vital shelters in our city to an education program that inspires groups of young people from throughout the New Haven region to become involved in homelessness work. In addition to our regular programs, we also engage in occasional projects with our community partners, as the need arises, and we work to establish new programs under the YHHAP umbrella. For more information on what we’re up to right now, check out our calendar of events and blog.

who we are

Founded in 1974, YHHAP is a Dwight Hall organization run and staffed entirely by student volunteers. As the center of homelessness work at Yale,  YHHAP maintains strong working partnerships with several incredible non-profits in New Haven, and has a seat on the Mayor’s Homeless Advisory Commission.

directors

Kevin Li is a sophomore in Branford College and was previous a co-director of the YHHAP Fast fundraiser.  Outside of YHHAP, he splits time between volunteering as a science teacher with DEMOS, working in a pathology research lab,  and serving on New Haven's Homelessness Advisory Commission. In his free time, he enjoys playing board games, avoiding taxicabs on his bike, and doing his laundry.  Kevin studies Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry.

Leah Sarna is a sophomore in Pierson College and was previously a co-director of Y(outh)HHAP, YHHAP's education branch. Outside of YHHAP, she serves on the Dwight Hall Student Executive Committee as the New Membership Coordinator and is involved in a variety of Jewish organizations on campus. Leah is a Philosophy & Psychology major. In her free time, she enjoys baking bread, crocheting and watching West Wing.

board of advisors

John Bradley, Liberty Community Services

Alison Cunningham, Columbus House

Kellyann Day, New Haven Home Recovery

Jim Farrales, Continuum of Care

Ron Dunhill, Hill Health Center

Gabor Kautzner, Veterans Administration

Ron Manning, Community Services Administration

Ed Mattison, South Central Behavioral Health Network

David O’Sullivan, Community Soup Kitchen

Johnny Scafidi, Dwight Hall