CommunicAID was founded in 1994 by a group of citizens who were concerned by the rising number of homeless people in Jamaica, New York and by the lack of services available to assist them.

Originally called “The Poverty Program”, the group started out by providing food and shelter, however, the mission quickly expanded and began attacking the problem of homelessness on a larger scale. By helping those in need find work and housing, the homeless have an opportunity to escape that poverty status.

CommunicAID was graciously donated a free office space in the Jamaica Medical Center which provided clerical support and communication services. Within a year, CommunicAID fundraised enough to expand the food pantries they worked with, leading to the development of “Food Banks United” by the volunteers; an affiliate of CommunicAID, responsible for all food and nutrition programs.

By 1988, CommunicAID was able to establish the city’s first homeless shelter on West Street and has since grown tremendously by continuing to develop and provide programs and services to the community.