The Death Advocacy Project ™ is dedicated to ensuring that every New Yorker has free access to affordable, culturally competent, dignified, judgment-free, respectful, and trauma-informed support when experiencing a death.
There's no guidebook for handling the passing of a loved one. We offer families and individuals a variety of options, information, resources, and solutions to manage both anticipated and unforeseen circumstances.
Our volunteers bring decades of expertise from diverse fields such as administration, case management, clergy, fundraising, funeral services, law, mental health, public health, and research.
The Death Advocacy Project (DAP) is a distinguished volunteer-led initiative ensuring dignity, justice, and moral integrity for all New Yorkers. Our mission is to provide solace to the grieving, assisting them through the myriad challenges and responsibilities that emerge with the loss of a loved one. We celebrate the diversity of our community and are devoted to offering customized support that honors the unique needs and values of each individual we serve, irrespective of their circumstances.
We bridge the gap when survivors are unsure who to turn to, offering a lifeline in difficult times and standing with the living. We ensure that individuals are informed about viable options during their time of need, with a strong focus on cultural competency. This includes respecting various faiths and honoring the final wishes of the deceased if known.
We listen to survivors and offer choices about what to do, providing detailed information about the processes of no-cost green City Burials, low-cost cremation, interment at dedicated family plots, veteran interments at National Cemeteries, transferring decedents to outside states or countries for burial, and scattering cremated remains.
We transform the survivor’s experience with a human-centered and personal approach to death, offering comprehensive support and guidance to assist with navigating multiple agencies, policies, and procedures, as well as assisting with any complicated paperwork the survivor needs to complete.
We have compiled all available public resources, sharing them to serve those in need. Due to the disparate nature of online information, in consideration of the digital divide, and facing long wait times when attempting to reach agencies by phone, survivors benefit from our unified knowledge base and ability to prevent any exploitation or mistreatment of the bereaved from any agency or service provider they encounter.
We are committed to inclusivity and serve everyone with equal compassion and respect. Our mission is dedicated to helping all individuals irrespective of their race, religion, gender, housing status, sexual orientation, substance abuse, age, nationality, or disability.
We support every decision by respecting the survivor's choices, following their lead with consent, and maintaining mutual trust.
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We help with paperwork, making calls, and scheduling so the bereaved can process what has happened at their own pace and in a healthy way, absent of additional strife.
DAP can simplify the process of understanding final arrangements and navigating complex agencies while ensuring families receive essential documents and support to apply for allowable reimbursements, such as FEMA Covid-19 Funeral Assistance, HRA, Office of Burial Services, and the Veteran’s Administration.
We provide personalized care for our most vulnerable community members.
Arrangements, Communications and Logistics
According to the Federal Reserve, almost half of Americans are unable to cover an unexpected $400 expense. For individuals wishing to opt for private burial, cremation, or needing to travel to New York City for final arrangements, our volunteers may assist with crowdfunding efforts and direct financial support. This is especially crucial for the elderly, indigent, marginalized, and unhoused individuals who often lack access to the internet, technology, and banking, making crowdfunding unfeasible.
Access to Affordable Funeral Solutions
Recognizing the intricate challenges of family dynamics, homelessness, addiction, marginalization, and other unique circumstances, our volunteers often successfully locate survivors of unclaimed deaths. This crucial work helps prevent city burials at Hart Island Cemetery for this particular group, ensuring that family members are notified of their loved one’s passing. Consequently, they can make informed decisions and honor the deceased’s and loved one’s final wishes.