Partners Against the Hate (P.A.T.H.) FORWARD Initiative

The Partners Against the Hate (P.A.T.H.) FORWARD initiative was launched in May 2021 as part of the City's commitment under Local Law 49 to strengthen coordinated, community centered efforts to prevent and address hate crimes and bias motivated incidents in New York City. With direct support from OPHC, the initiative supports more than 50 organizations that deliver programs and services to prevent hate violence, expand community based responses, promote education, and strengthen safety and belonging across diverse communities, while also providing grants to additional partners that serve vulnerable populations to ensure a comprehensive and community driven approach to preventing hate.

P.A.T.H. FORWARD recognizes that preventing hate requires trusted relationships, culturally competent resources, and strategies led by those closest to their communities. The initiative strengthens networks, increases awareness, expands pathways for reporting, and supports communities affected by bias and discrimination.

Program Goals

• Advance community-based approaches to public safety
• Strengthen relations among diverse communities through programming and restorative practices
• Provide educational resources and training to address bias, discrimination, and hate
• Develop strategies to enhance awareness and reporting of hate crimes and bias incidents
• Improve data collection and understanding of bias motivated incidents in New York City
• Expand victim support services and community-based responses

Why This Initiative Matters

Preventing hate requires more than law enforcement response. It requires education, community trust, shared understanding, and local leadership. P.A.T.H. FORWARD empowers communities most affected by bias to lead solutions rooted in connection rather than division. By investing in anchor organizations with cultural expertise and strong local relationships, the initiative strengthens community resilience, expands victim support, improves reporting pathways, and builds bridges across diverse neighborhoods. This work contributes to a safer, more respectful, and more unified New York City where all residents feel protected, valued, and seen.