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When temperatures climb closer to 100°F, life on the streets can go from unbearable to deadly. When the predicted heat index reaches 95°F or higher, the City of New York declares a “CODE RED”. During a Code Red, the BronxWorks Homeless Outreach Team will be working hard to help our most vulnerable neighbors get off the streets and into shelter.

Designated cooling centers are open during a CODE RED all around New York City and the Bronx. If you are living without air conditioning and need a place to cool down contact 311 or click here to find a cooling center near you. Please check on your neighbors, especially the elderly and sick. Cooling centers are open and available to the public. More info

Pascal Jean Louis, Housing Specialist, Homeless Outreach Team

A man in a navy jacket stands outside on the sidewalk smiling. The street and cars can be seen out of focus behind him.

Over 10 years ago, Pascal settled in New York City with the desire to help the less fortunate in his community. Having grown up in Haiti and living in several other Caribbean countries, Pascal has witnessed first-hand underserved communities that do not have resources to meet their needs.  His passion for understanding and helping people, especially those from different backgrounds, led him to go back to school at City College where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies. Pascal was determined to enter a field in which he can use his voice to advocate for others. In 2023, he joined BronxWorks as a Housing Specialist for the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT).

I found this job with BronxWorks and I thought, ‘This is home for me. This is exactly where my purpose is.’”

As a Housing Specialist, Pascal works with unhoused individuals who have accepted assistance from BronxWorks HOT and are going through the process of obtaining permanent housing. Many clients are understandably unfamiliar with the process, so he guides them through each step and ensures they are informed to make their own decisions along the way. He also joins the outreach workers out in the field to establish connections with clients, especially those who may be wary of receiving assistance. Pascal works hard to earn the trust of the community members by being a consistent resource of support and care.

“Each day I go to work, it is a new day. I give my best to every client every day… If you have the chance to help others, do it with all your heart.”

Pascal has worked as a Housing Specialist for almost three years, and he is already pursuing a higher degree to further his career and his impact. Pascal is currently participating in the BronxWorks One Year Residency (OYR) program while pursuing a Master’s Degree in Social Work. OYR has allowed Pascal to continue working at the organization while going back to school, and he can complete required internship hours through his current employment at BronxWorks.

“I am so grateful for [the OYR program] because it gives me more reasons to move forward in my career and do my best for the agency.”

Outside of work, Pascal enjoys staying active, spending time with his dog, and taking advantage of summer days at the beach. He hopes to use his education to advance social justice, promote equity, and advocate for individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and other barriers to stability.

 

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