Project Open Hands was born in 2022 as a direct response to the needs the Rampersaud family saw in their local community.
Who we are:
Project Open Hands is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to empowering communities through neighborhood initiatives and culturally rooted support for families to improve the social and humanitarian welfare of all people.
Founded by three proud Guyanese-American daughters from the Bronx, we understand that families are the backbone and heroes of our neighborhoods. Under the leadership of our co-founding sisters Parveen, Helena, and Kamela, we are proud to serve our neighbors. Their grit and gratitude inspire us every day.
Our Story:
In the summer of 2022, our family witnessed an alarming increase of families facing economic strife or grappling with homelessness in NYC. Too many of them had nothing but the clothes on their backs, no shoes, and hungry children who were underdressed for the cold. We knew we had to help.
We know that food is more than just a basic right, it’s a form of comfort. So many families shared with us that they only had bread and water. Many of them don’t have access to kitchens. With a deep understanding of just how comforting it is to eat a hot meal from one’s culture after a hard day, we decided to prepare cultural hot meals and share it with a local shelter. We were shocked to see a line of people waiting outside the door for the meals. This was a sign that we had to keep going.
Since our conception we have provided aid to hundreds of families facing food and economic insecurity across the greater NYC area. We’re proud to have shared thousands of cultural hot meals and counting. All our meals are prepared with fresh ingredients and in accordance with the NYC department of health.
With the support of neighbors, family, and the power of social media, we hosted our first clothing drive in our driveway in the Bronx. On that day alone we donated over 300 articles of clothing. In addition to the hot meals we shared, this event catapulted our ongoing series of direct resource giveaways catered to the needs of the people we serve.
We have packaged and personally delivered clothing care packages to people of all economic backgrounds and status. We’ve also shared toys, Christmas gifts, Eid feasts, strollers, feminine products, and more to assist the needs of the families we meet.
We’ve learned so much from our community about perseverance, love, and culture. Project Open Hands is committed to uplifting our neighbors with empathy and care. The nostalgia, love, and appreciation these families share with us is invaluable and fuels us to continue our mission. We are excited to continue supporting families in new ways as we all collectively grow together.
