safety
Gay couple who gave 180,000 backpacks to houseless people dies within days of each other
By Daniel Villarreal at LGBTQ Nation
· July 14, 2026
· 4 min read
A gay New York City couple who spent years handing out over 180,000 backpacks filled with essentials to houseless people both died near the end of June and start of July. Jayson Conner, age 48, died on June 28 from a heart attack at their Manhattan home. His partner, Jeffrey Newman, age 58, died on
Key takeaway His partner, Jeffrey Newman, age 58, died on July 2, though the location and cause of his death have not been publicly revealed, The New York Times reported.
Why this matters
The passing of Jayson Conner and Jeffrey Newman, the gay couple behind Backpacks for the Streets, highlights the significant impact that dedicated individuals can have on addressing homelessness and promoting compassion in their communities. Through their efforts, the couple not only provided essential items to those in need but also helped to restore dignity and hope to people who often feel invisible. Their approach, which emphasized thoughtful consideration of the needs of unhoused individuals and trained volunteers in safe and compassionate engagement, serves as a model for effective community-based initiatives. The couple's work also underscores the importance of personal experience and empathy in driving social change, as Conner's own experiences with homelessness and marginalization informed his approach to helping others. As the volunteers they trained continue their work, it remains to be seen how the project will evolve, but the legacy of Conner and Newman's labor of love is likely to endure.
About this story
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Category: safety ·
Published: July 14, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A gay New York City couple who spent years handing out over 180,000 backpacks filled with essentials to houseless people both died near the end of June and start of July. Jayson Conner, age 48, died on June 28 from a heart attack at their Manhattan home. His partner, Jeffrey Newman, age 58, died on
When was this published? This article was first published on July 14, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Daniel Villarreal at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .