New York City has its first homeless Girl Scout troop

When a child doesn’t have a permanent home, they don’t have access to many services that can benefit a child for the rest of his or her life. But one Girl Scout troop is changing that for homeless girls in New York City. Formed in February 2017, Girl Scout Troop 6000 was established for girls in New York City’s shelter system. As The New York Times reported, currently all 21 members of Troop 6000 live in the Sleep Inn in Queens, which the city has taken over to house approximately 100 homeless families. And the Girl Scouts are offering incredible opportunities to these girls.

While The New York Times noted that there have been troops dedicated to homeless children before, Troop 6000 is the first in New York City. It was created by Giselle Burgess, who is homeless herself and works as the community engagement specialist for Girl Scouts of Greater New York, with the support from Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer. Van Bramer said about Troop 6000:

"It's just about the most right thing I've ever been a part of."

This is among the best things I’ve ever been a part of. We must expand @GirlScoutsNYC Troop 6000 throughout NYC. https://t.co/qqsDlh3sI5 pic.twitter.com/48FEDQxHtX

— Jimmy Van Bramer (@JimmyVanBramer) April 17, 2017

But along with Burgess and Van Bramer, the real stars of Troop 6000 are the girls. (Burgess has daughters in the troop as well.) They dream of growing up and becoming fashion designers, pediatricians, basketball players, and engineers — with some girls already setting their sights on helping out homeless people.

Being part of the troop affords them opportunities they otherwise wouldn’t have, like first aid training and trips to places like the local Girl Scouts headquarters on Wall Street.

The Girl Scouts of Greater New York cover the costs of the membership fees, starter kits (that includes patches, pins, workbooks, and vests), and monthly dues. But if you’re inspired by Troop 6000 and want to see more girls be included, you can donate to Girl Scouts in NYC Shelters by designating your money to them.

The Girl Scouts are all about believing in the power of every girl and making strong women for the future — and Troop 6000 is living up to that goal.