(Photo Credits: Screengrab from Jeffrey Newman’s Instagram Account)

NEW YORK — New York City is mourning the profound loss of Jayson Conner and Jeffrey Newman, a devoted gay couple who spent nearly a decade distributing over 180,000 backpacks filled with basic necessities to the city’s unhoused population. The couple, who were partners for 21 years and would have celebrated their 22nd anniversary on July 7, passed away within just four days of each other.

In 2018, the couple launched their initiative, Backpacks for the Street, under the umbrella of their non-profit organization, Together Helping Others. What began as a small social media appeal that brought in roughly 100 bags quickly expanded into a massive weekly operation. By 2026, the couple, alongside a dedicated team of nearly 40 volunteers, were preparing and distributing over 300 carefully curated backpacks every single week across Manhattan and Queens.

Rather than just dropping off supplies and walking away, Conner and Newman used the backpacks as a bridge to human connection. Newman frequently emphasized that the emotional weight of their work mattered just as much as the physical goods they handed out: “Everything about the backpack is about hope, it’s a band-aid. We understand that it’s not going to cure homelessness, we don’t pretend it’s going to cure homelessness. But it does say to somebody, ‘Hey, you know what? We care.'”

The items they chose reflected that meticulous care. From high-quality thermal socks and fresh batteries to soft, protein-rich snacks carefully selected for individuals with dental struggles, every single bag was intentionally curated. Newman called the rigorous operation a genuine “labor of love.”

“We take what we do very seriously,” Newman told ABC News in an interview way back in 2020. “We’re not making little goody bags. We’re really thinking out what it is people need the most. It’s a labor of love.”

For Jayson Conner, the mission was born out of direct personal experience. Originally from Stockton, California, Conner had previously survived addiction, sexual abuse, and periods of homelessness before finding sobriety in 2015. On the charity’s website, he shared how “soul-crushing” life on the street truly is: “You never know where you’ll find respite day after day, or if you’ll eat or find warmth.”

Beyond just giving away supplies, the couple spent significant time training volunteers on how to engage with the street community with absolute dignity and respect. Volunteer Kristina Kashtanova noted the deep impact they made: “It was fascinating to see how well they managed to communicate with people on the streets. They taught me how to be a better human and how to talk to people who were so different from me.”

Jayson Conner, 48, passed away from a sudden heart attack on June 28, 2026, at the Queens home he shared with Newman, according to his daughter, Jewlia Conner.

Only four days later, on July 2, 2026, Jeffrey Newman, 58, passed away. His brother, Glenn Newman, confirmed the death but chose not to publicly disclose the location or cause of death. Apart from his homelessness advocacy, Newman was also remembered as a longtime advocate for individuals living with HIV.

Remembering the strength of the couple’s bond, Glenn Newman told W42st.com: “Jayson was the love of Jeffrey’s life and his true partner in every sense of the word.” He added, “They built their lives together, shared a common purpose and dedicated themselves to serving others. Whether they were running their nonprofit, supporting people on the streets of New York or simply enjoying everyday life, they were rarely apart. Their relationship was built on deep love, unwavering commitment, and a shared belief that every person deserves dignity, compassion, and hope.”

The couple is survived by their families, including Conner’s daughter Jewlia and son Andrew, and Newman’s parents and siblings.

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