BCW Members Lifting Up Westchester and Caring for the Hungry & Homeless of Peekskill Announce Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Services Across Westchester

Two longtime nonprofit organizations serving Westchester County are taking the next step in a partnership that has been years in the making. Lifting Up Westchester (LUW) and Caring for the Hungry & Homeless of Peekskill (CHHOP), both BCW members, have officially announced a strategic alliance aimed at expanding impact, strengthening operations, and enhancing support for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Having worked closely together for nearly a decade, the organizations have collaborated on numerous initiatives focused on housing stability, homelessness prevention, and community support services. Their joint efforts have included COVID-19 response coordination and the RISE domestic violence rehousing program, helping families and individuals throughout the region access critical resources during times of crisis.

Under the new structure, Cynthia Knox, CEO of CHHOP, and Anahaita Kotval, CEO of LUW, will serve together as Co-CEOs of both organizations. While LUW and CHHOP will continue to operate as separate nonprofit entities, they will begin integrating administrative and operational functions, including finance, human resources, payroll, development, and management systems.

Leadership from both organizations shared that the partnership is designed to create greater efficiency, increase sustainability, and position both nonprofits to better navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain funding landscape. By combining operational infrastructure while maintaining each organization’s unique identity and mission, the partnership is expected to create new opportunities for innovation, advocacy, and expanded community outreach.

The transition will take place gradually and thoughtfully to ensure continuity of services and minimize disruption for staff, clients, donors, and community partners. Programs currently offered through both organizations will remain in place, including emergency shelter services, food assistance, permanent housing support, workforce readiness programs, youth mentorship initiatives, and homelessness prevention efforts.

The organizations also emphasized that donor intent will remain a top priority throughout the partnership. Contributions designated for either LUW, CHHOP, or specific programs will continue to be used exactly as intended, with future communications and fundraising efforts clearly identifying the benefiting organization or initiative.

As they move forward together, LUW and CHHOP say the partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening support systems across Westchester County and building a more coordinated, sustainable approach to serving those most in need. You can read the full press release here.