Jayson Connor and Jeffrey Newman were American nonprofit founders and community volunteers best known for helping people experiencing homelessness in New York City. Together, they created a large volunteer effort that distributed more than 180,000 backpacks filled with essential supplies.
Jayson Connor and Jeffrey Newman Biography
| Details | Jayson Connor | Jeffrey Newman |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Jayson Connor (also reported as Jayson Conner in some sources) | Jeffrey Lawrence Newman |
| Nationality | American | American |
| Known For | Co-founder of Together Helping Others and Backpacks for the Street | Co-founder of Together Helping Others and Backpacks for the Street |
| Profession | Nonprofit leader, volunteer | Nonprofit leader, former journalist, communications professional |
| Birth Year | 1977 | 1967 |
| Death | June 2026 | July 2026 |
| Main Work | Homeless outreach and community service | Homeless outreach and community service |
Who Were Jayson Connor and Jeffrey Newman?
Jayson Connor and Jeffrey Newman were partners in both life and community service. They became widely recognized for their work supporting people experiencing homelessness across New York City.
Instead of providing only temporary assistance during holidays, they organized year round outreach. Their volunteer team regularly distributed backpacks containing everyday necessities such as toiletries, socks, notebooks, flashlights, snacks, and seasonal clothing.
Their work earned respect from volunteers, donors, and local communities because they focused on practical help and treated every person with dignity.
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Early Life of Jayson Connor
Jayson Connor was born in Stockton, California, in 1977.
He attended culinary school and later worked in restaurants. During part of his life, he struggled with addiction and experienced homelessness for nearly two years after moving to New York.
These experiences shaped his future work. After becoming sober in 2015, he dedicated much of his life to helping others facing similar challenges.
Early Life of Jeffrey Newman
Jeffrey Lawrence Newman was born in Ardsley, New York, in 1967.
He graduated from Florida International University with a degree in Communication and Media Studies in 1991.
Before entering nonprofit work, Newman built a successful professional career. He worked as a journalist for ABC News, served as a financial consultant, and later became the founding president and CEO of Out.com.
How They Met
Jayson Connor and Jeffrey Newman met in 2004 and later built a long term relationship.
Over time, they shared a common goal of helping vulnerable people. Their partnership eventually grew into a full time commitment to community service through nonprofit work.
Career Before Community Service
Jayson Connor
Before focusing on nonprofit work, Connor worked in the restaurant industry. His personal experiences with homelessness gave him firsthand knowledge of the daily challenges faced by people living on the streets.
Jeffrey Newman
Newman spent many years in journalism, media, and communications. His professional background helped him organize fundraising campaigns, communicate with supporters, and build public awareness for their nonprofit activities.
Together Helping Others Organization
After years of volunteering at a Brooklyn soup kitchen, the couple decided to create their own nonprofit organization called Together Helping Others.
Their goal was simple.
They wanted to provide practical support throughout the year rather than only during special occasions.
The organization brought together volunteers from different backgrounds who worked together every week to prepare and distribute supplies to people in need.
Backpacks for the Street Program
One of their most successful projects was Backpacks for the Street.
The idea started in 2018 after they noticed that many people experiencing homelessness did not have a reliable backpack to carry their belongings.
Each backpack was carefully packed with useful items that could improve daily life.
Common supplies included:
| Items Included |
|---|
| Toiletries |
| Toothbrush and toothpaste |
| Socks |
| Flashlights with batteries |
| Snacks |
| Notebooks |
| Seasonal clothing |
| Hygiene products |
By 2026, nearly 40 volunteers had helped distribute more than 180,000 backpacks throughout New York City.
Volunteer Leadership
Connor and Newman trained volunteers to approach people respectfully and communicate with kindness.
Their outreach focused on building trust while offering practical assistance.
Many volunteers later said they learned valuable communication and compassion skills while working alongside the couple.
Public Recognition
The couple received attention from several news organizations because of their community work.
Their nonprofit activities appeared in interviews and media reports highlighting their commitment to helping people experiencing homelessness.
Supporters also followed their work through social media, where donations and volunteer participation continued to grow.
Personal Life
Jayson Connor and Jeffrey Newman shared both their personal lives and nonprofit mission.
Their relationship lasted for more than two decades, and they worked together almost every day to expand their outreach efforts across New York City.
Recent Updates
In late June 2026, Jayson Connor died after suffering a heart attack at the couple’s home in Queens. He was 48 years old.
Only four days later, Jeffrey Newman died at the age of 58. His family confirmed his passing, but no official cause of death was publicly announced.
Their deaths prompted tributes from volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and community members who praised their years of public service.
Legacy
The work started by Connor and Newman continues to inspire volunteers who support people experiencing homelessness.
Their backpack distribution program demonstrated how organized community service can provide practical help to thousands of people.
Many volunteers have expressed their intention to continue supporting the mission they built over several years.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Jayson Connor and Jeffrey Newman?
They were American nonprofit founders known for helping people experiencing homelessness through Together Helping Others and the Backpacks for the Street program.
What was Backpacks for the Street?
It was a volunteer program that distributed backpacks filled with essential supplies such as hygiene products, socks, snacks, notebooks, and clothing to people experiencing homelessness.
How many backpacks did they distribute?
By 2026, their volunteer network had distributed more than 180,000 backpacks across New York City.
What did Jeffrey Newman do before nonprofit work?
He worked as a journalist for ABC News, served as a financial consultant, and was the founding president and CEO of Out.com before focusing on community outreach.
What happened to Jayson Connor and Jeffrey Newman?
Jayson Connor died in June 2026 following a heart attack. Jeffrey Newman died four days later in July 2026. His family confirmed his death, but no official cause was publicly released.
