Welcome to
I_AM_HUMAN_NY
About Us
In the bustle and hustle of our life amidst the towering skyscrapers of the city and the pulsating rhythm of life in Miami, there's a story often untold.
A narrative that intertwines the lives of dreamers, achievers, and those that have fallen on hard times.
At I_Am_Human_NY, we're more than just a brand; we're a movement. A commitment to rekindling the human connection, shining a light on the unseen, and igniting the spirit of unity.
Our Story
We are powerful beings and can be the catalyst for positive change in our communities. As HUMANS, we have the gift of consciousness and the ability to distinguish right from wrong.
Walking to work every day and seeing homeless people in the streets, we walked by “them” as if they were inanimate objects, as if we had nothing in common. Technology numbs and disconnects us from our own humanity, making it easier to disassociate. It is easy to feel helpless, not make it our “problem,” and complain about the government not doing enough for our city and our country. We decided something had to be done.
We needed to start somewhere, or we would have thought this idea to death like it often happens. We chose to start with winter hats, it may or may not work, but it had to be done. The goal is to grow this idea and create revenue to help fund programs so that TOGETHER we can keep our fellow humans off the street and provide the support needed to lead a fulfilled and healthy life.
We received our first shipment of winter hats in January 2022. In less than two weeks, with the help of our supporters and friends, we distributed over 200 hats. This is just the beginning…
Fast forward 2025 amd we are proud to show our partnerships with different organizations and our impact in our communities. We also expanded to include the wrongfully convicted
Thank you! Your support means the world to us.
Meet our founders
Abby Pollak
Co-founder, I_Am_Human_NY.
Abby Pollak, the driving force behind I_am_Human_NY, is a 17-year-old passionate about social change and justice. Growing up in Miami and traveling the world, Abby developed a deep awareness of social injustices and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.
Abby has always sought ways to merge her entrepreneurial spirit with her desire to create meaningful impact. This led her to take leadership of I_am_Human_NY, focusing on raising awareness about inequality, injustice, and homelessness. She believes these issues must be addressed not just because they are wrong, but because it is inhumane to ignore them.
"Through I_am_Human_NY, I want to inspire my peers and younger generations to see the homeless, the oppressed, and the less fortunate as equals; they are simply human, just like us."
The future depends on all of us working together. Abby and the team are deeply grateful for every single person who joins this movement and supports this mission.
Matthew Pollak
Founder, I_Am_Human_NY.
At just 16 years old, Matthew Pollak founded I_am_HUMAN_NY as an LLC with the goal of creating a self-sustaining organization where he and his siblings would work to help others. With the support of his brother and sister in delivering orders, he built a foundation rooted in empathy and action, inspired by the values instilled by his parents.
Matthew has always been driven by a desire to create tangible change through action. With a keen sense of responsibility and a passion for social justice, he saw I_am_HUMAN_NY as more than just an organization it was a movement to challenge perceptions and break down barriers of inequality. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding the initiative’s reach, ensuring that advocacy and direct support go hand in hand to make a lasting impact.
What We Do
We're not just about fashion; we're about purpose.
As an e-commerce platform and a non-profit organization, we specialize in crafting high-quality knit winter hats and socks. But that's only a part of our story. Every product we sell serves a dual mission - providing warmth for you and offering hope for the homeless in New York and Miami.
Why We Do It
Every day, thousands walk past the homeless, often indifferent, sometimes sympathetic, but rarely proactive.
Our founder's vision was born out of this very realization - that change begins when we stop seeing through people and start seeing them. Technology has accelerated our lives but has distanced our hearts. We're here to bridge that gap.
Social justice isn't just another issue; it's a reflection of our society, and we've taken it upon ourselves to advocate, educate, and act.
Neither is social justice. Taking away the freedom of a human being for a crime they did not commit and without evidence of the crime is wrong. We call for awareness in wrongful convictions and the plight of those reinstated to society after doing their time.
How we do it?
Every single purchase, whether big or small, serves a purpose beyond the transaction. With each item you choose, from Socks to T-shirts, to Beanies, and beyond, you're making a direct impact on someone experiencing homelessness. Your decision to shop with us isn't just about the product; it's about extending a hand to those in need.
Furthermore, we've partnered with organizations dedicated to supporting the homeless community. Through these partnerships, your purchases enable us to allocate donations, ensuring that essential items are distributed directly to those who need them most. Well done!