501(c)(3) Nonprofit • New York • India • Nepal
A multi-program nonprofit serving Tibetan and Himalayan elders across New York, India, and Nepal through community wellness, cultural preservation, elder advocacy, nourishment, and international elder care.
About Us
What began in 2012 as a small weekly gathering in Queens, New York, has grown into a multi-program nonprofit operating across five program areas and three countries. The Himalayan Elders Project (HEP) is a 501(c)(3) organization addressing elder isolation, food security, health equity, cultural preservation, and elder care for the Tibetan and Himalayan diaspora.
Many of our elders arrived in the United States later in life, facing language barriers, isolation, and the challenge of preserving their cultural identity. HEP bridges that gap with five distinct program areas — from serving 290,000+ meals and running wellness programs to preserving endangered Himalayan languages and supporting elder homes in India and Nepal.
“Caring for our elders is not just a responsibility — it is a reflection of who we are as a community.”
His Holiness the Dalai Lama with the Himalayan Elders Project logo — a moment of recognition for HEP's mission of serving Tibetan and Himalayan elders worldwide.
Our Programs
HEP operates five distinct program areas — each addressing a critical dimension of elder wellbeing, from food security and health equity to cultural preservation and international care.
Three days a week, we serve breakfast and lunch to 65 seniors — providing reliable, culturally appropriate nutrition to elders who might otherwise go without. Since 2012, we have served over 290,000 free meals.
We safeguard Himalayan heritage through structured language classes, traditional cooking workshops, storytelling circles, and intergenerational knowledge-sharing — ensuring elder wisdom is documented, celebrated, and passed on.
Yoga, meditation, guided exercise, and prayer sessions designed for elderly participants through culturally appropriate wellness activities.
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Assessing unmet needs and connecting elders with healthcare, benefits, and social services. No elder falls through the cracks.
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Supporting homes for the aged in India and Nepal with resources, funding, and organizational support across borders.
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“This organization has become my second family. After years of isolation, I finally found a place where I feel connected and where I truly belong.”Tsering Dorjee, 78 years old
“HEP introduced me to close friendships and helped me navigate life in my new city. I look forward to every gathering.”Dawa Dolma, 67 years old
Gallery
Moments of joy, togetherness, and cultural celebration from our programs and events across New York, India, and Nepal.
Get Involved
Every contribution — whether your time, skills, or financial support — makes a direct impact on the lives of our community elders.
Your financial contribution supports free meals, wellness programs, cultural activities, and elder-care facilities — both locally in New York and internationally in India and Nepal.
Make a DonationLead yoga or meditation sessions, assist with weekly gatherings, teach language classes, organize excursions, or lend your professional skills to our advocacy work.
Get in TouchBusinesses, nonprofits, and community organizations can collaborate with us to strengthen programs, sponsor retreats, and extend our reach to elder communities across borders.
Become a Partner