Last week, MI Americas continued its vaccination campaign for the homeless at the St. Francis Breadline in Manhattan, New York. Partnering with ArchCare, the Continuing Care Community of the Archdiocese of New York, we were able to vaccinate over 50 individuals, immunizing them from a flu season like no other.

The homeless are a particularly vulnerable group. In New York City, there are over 100,000 homeless children, and due to the prevalence of underlying health conditions, as well as cramped sleeping conditions in shelters, the homeless are increasingly susceptible to the flu. This year, Covid-19 adds its own blanket of burden to the vulnerable, as well as on our healthcare systems.

As part of MI Americas’ growth in the Americas – and particularly within the continental US – the decision to focus on vaccinations for vulnerable groups seems like a natural fit.  “We work in 31 different countries, providing disaster response and public health aid to individuals around the globe – but this is a chance to serve the community in our own backyard,” says Ravi Tripptrap, MI Americas Executive Director.

Thanks to the gracious help from our volunteers – both friends of, and members of the American Association of the Order of Malta – our second flu vaccination clinic was a success. Just as we showed our solidarity in the early days of NYC’s first wave of Covid-19 infections back in March, we are committed to our Catholic values in serving the needy wherever and whenever possible.

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