Below is a list of frequently asked questions.

• How big is the problem of homelessness in NYC right now?
• How many homeless individuals in NYC have HIV/AIDS?
• Is there a "typical" Praxis client? Who are the people you serve?
• How could I become a client of Praxis?
• How many residences do you have?
• What other services does Praxis offer?
• Does Praxis offer permanent housing to residents?
• How can I get involved?

How big is the problem of homelessness in NYC right now?

Each night, over 38,000 homeless individuals sleep in New York City shelters. Thousands more sleep on City Streets and about 3,600 to 8,000 sleep in public places. Nearly 1 in 20 new Yorkers have experienced homelessness There are 1,000 soup kitchens in NYC. Most are now turning some people away. About half the homeless women in NY have been subjected to domestic violence and over half the people in municipal shelters have some form of mental illness.

How many homeless individuals in NYC have HIV/AIDS?

Experts estimate that about 38 % of the homeless here in New York City are living with HIV/AIDS.

Many of these people also suffer from Mental illness (particularly trauma related), hunger and malnutrition, undiagnosed diseases (TB & Hep C), illiteracy, lack of access to medicines and medical care, drug addiction, and have a history of incarceration and unemployment.

Is there a "typical" Praxis client? Who are the people you serve?

There are no typical clients. Each client comes to us with their own challenges and talents but let me tell you about one client whom I'll refer to as as 'Ruth'.

'Ruth' came to us one freezing cold winter's night 4 years ago, hungry and sick. We feed her and gave her a warm room and we had our nurse practitioner address her physical ailments and then one of caseworkers took over and to help 'Ruth' develop a new life plan.

'Ruth' had left her 4 daughters and husband when she was 20 years old to pursue her addiction to crack cocaine on the streets She prostituted herself for the next 20 years to feed her addiction. 'Ruth' was skeptical and withdrawn when she came to us and at first sat in our group sessions without participating.

Gradually she began to open up and soon she was not only helping herself but others at the same time. She found true happiness for the first time in her life in helping others and gradually kicked her addiction. We recognized that 'Ruth' was a natural educator and now she is one of our counselors, drawing a salary, paying taxes and most of all helping to save other peoples lives.

Two years ago for Christmas, 'Ruth' reunited with her 4 daughters, spouses and children. By all accounts it was a spectacular Christmas reunion. It is what Christmas and Praxis is all about.

How could I become a client of Praxis?

All of our clients are referred to us through agencies such as HASA. That would be your first step to getting help through Praxis.

How many residences do you have?

Praxis manages 4 residences, with 3 located in Manhattan and 1 in Brooklyn. Praxis houses nearly 400 people a night and approximately 1,200 homeless individuals with HIV/AIDS each year in clean, safe, and secure buildings.

What other services does Praxis offer?

Praxis offers clients more than 25 workshops and support groups per week, e.g., job readiness, treatment adherence, coping skills, independent living, and recovery support. Since its inception earlier this year Praxis's Workforce Development Program has trained over 200 clients and found employment for more than 30 of the first group of graduates who successfully transitioned through its program - from homelessness to job and home. Establishing a solid employment record is critical since many other employers reject applicants with little education, spotty job records, or criminal histories.

Does Praxis offer permanent housing to residents?

Currently Praxis does not offer permanent housing. However, since 2000, Praxis's Housing Specialists have placed over 2,500 individuals in permanent housing - apartments, supportive housing, and long-term congregate care. Our housing specialists have worked to find homes for people that only a few months prior had been sleeping rough.

How can I get involved?

With the cutbacks in government funding we are asking for individual donations particularly at this time of year. Traditionally when government spending has declined individual donors have stepped in to help and one of the reasons for this support is that we are very cost effective. It cost us $54.50 to bring a man or woman in out of the cold feed and house them for a night as well as provide full wrap around services including medical and mental health, case work, job training, treatment adherence and independent living skills. The alternatives- emergency hospital care is over $600 a night, jail is $168 per night and a mental health facility even more.

Praxis is always looking for donations, not just financially, but your time. We have many events for clients and volunteers are always welcome. Contact Praxis via this website and we'll be in touch.