One of the most neglected dimensions of homelessness is access to medical care. People experiencing homelessness often live with untreated chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, and substance use disorders, yet face enormous barriers to care, including lack of insurance, transportation, identification, and continuity with providers. Preventive care is rare, so manageable conditions frequently escalate into…

We recently got this email from a nonprofit the MurthyNAYAK Foundation has been supporting for decades, and it read: Students at Benjamin Franklin High School — located within the United Way Neighborhood Zone in Brooklyn in South Baltimore — are urgently in need of your support. The Socio-Emotional Program Director has shared that many students…

Mentorship, to me, is not optional—it is a responsibility. It is one of the most meaningful ways I can give back to the community that has given me so much. When we mentor younger Americans, we do more than share advice; we pass along experience, values, and the confidence to believe in one’s limitless potential.…

Food Insecurity in the United States & Why to Donate Food insecurity affects millions of Americans, including working families, children, seniors, and veterans who struggle to access consistent, nutritious meals. Rising living costs, medical expenses, and unexpected hardships force many to choose between food and other essentials. Donations to food banks and hunger-relief organizations help…

Impersonating legitimate businesses and professionals on social media has become alarmingly easy in recent years. With the widespread use of artificial intelligence, automated bots, and copied digital assets, bad actors can now create fake profiles, pages, and advertisements that closely mimic real organizations. These imposter accounts often use stolen logos, similar usernames, copied text, and…

In 2026, Sheela Murthy & the MurthyNAYAK Foundation are continuing to focus supporting agencies and organizations working to eliminate homelessness, combat food insecurity, and expand basic health care access in the United States—three urgent, interconnected needs that affect millions of lower-income Americans. On any given night, more than 770,000 people in the U.S. experience homelessness, reflecting an 18%…

Community colleges are one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—engines of opportunity in the United States. Nearly one in three American undergraduates attends a community college, and these institutions educate over 40 percent of all first-generation college students nationwide. For many students, particularly those from low-income and working-class families, community colleges represent the most accessible…

Getting involved locally and donating time and resources to help the less fortunate isn’t just charitable — it’s fundamental to responsible leadership. When businesses donate time and money to their communities, they are not just doing good — they are doing what is right for the people, and their future. Employees at the Murthy Law…

Maryland Institute, College of Art (MICA) is a renowned art school in Baltimore, Maryland, that will be celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2026. The institution provides unique education focusing on molding young artists to hone their skills and become successful. MICA provides several hundred jobs and a strong community in Baltimore City. Sheela Murthy has…

The Tocqueville Society of the United Way of Northeast Florida (UWNEFL) brings together generous leaders who believe in giving with a shared purpose. As the incoming Chair of the Tocqueville Society of UWNEFL, I was honored and grateful to be amongst that leadership group to celebrate the year-end holiday gathering on Tuesday, December 9, 2025,…