July 13, 2017 By Jason Cohen
A girl scout troop that was founded in Long Island City earlier this year and is comprised of homeless children will be the recipient of more than $1 million over the next three years, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Tuesday.
Girl Scout Troop 6000, which is the only troop dedicated to serving homeless girls and women in the country, currently operates out of a facility in Long Island City and is funded by the Department of Homeless Services (DHS).
The troop, through the injection of $1 million, will soon be able to expand beyond the one location to approximately 15 shelter sites across the city. The expansion will provide at least 500 girls the opportunity to participate in this program in its first full year, the mayor said.
“It was only a few months ago that Troop 6000 stole the hearts of New Yorkers and garnered support from people around the country, “de Blasio said.
Over the next three years, DHS will provide $320,000 annually and the Mayor’s Fund will contribute $55,000 per year, totaling $1,125,000 for the expansion. The Mayor’s Fund is a pot of money raised through a public-private partnership and is used to help the city’s most needy.
The money from DHS will cover membership fees and troop dues, starter kits for the girls, which include vests, pins, and workbooks, as well as program supplies and financial aid for summer camp. The investment from the Mayor’s Fund will provide a social worker who will help oversee the program.
“The Girl Scouts of Greater New York embody the type of program this administration is dedicated to supporting, with the shared goal of helping young people build confidence and foster community support,” de Blasio said in a statement. “Together with the Mayor’s Fund, we are proud to expand and support Troop 6000, allowing more young homeless children to participate in a program that is helping them cope and deal with the challenges they face every day.”
DHS will announce the additional shelter sites as they launch, with plans to begin expanding Troop 6000 to new locations in October.
Today, Scouts from #Troop6000 announced NYC's investment of over $1 million to expand the first troop serving homeless girls and women. pic.twitter.com/zS7g9x87rq
— Homeless Services (@NYCDHS) July 12, 2017
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