By Jeff Friedman
Editor’s Note: This week, Jeff Friedman of Livingston, founder and director of the Livingston Philanthropies, reflects, in his own words, on the scope of homelessness in New Jersey. His organization works year ’round to collect toiletries for the homeless.
According to the information and numbers shared on the Homeless in New Jersey website, “The Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that a point-in-time count is conducted in communities receiving federal homeless assistance funds. The last such count was conducted in January, 2016. The statistics noted are from the point-in-time count that was performed in 2016.”
While reviewing and digesting the provided numbers, it’s important to note that the study was done to count only those on federal homeless assistance funds. Many of our brothers and sisters out on the street and the extremely poor do not receive such assistance, and their numbers are not reflected in the tabulated totals, as provided.
“In New Jersey, the point-in-time count revealed the following: There are 8,941 homeless men, women, and children across the state of New Jersey. This was an overall decrease of 1,270 persons or 12.4 percent since the 2015 count. There were 1,425 persons, in 1,249 households, were identified as chronically homeless, a decrease of 74 persons or 4.9 percent compared to 2014. There were 1,442 persons who were unsheltered; up from 48 percent of the 974 persons counted in 2015.”
Not So Positive a Trend
Some, but not all of the point-in-time count percentages reflect a positive trend in the numbers of homeless. My years of on-site experience tells me something else, at least locally in Newark. The food lines are getting longer each year, as our government considers cutting meager existing benefits to even lower levels.
Livingston Philanthropies is collecting new, small size toiletries and cosmetics from our generous Livingston neighbors. Donations of hotel/travel sized shampoo, conditioner, soap, tooth brushes, tooth paste, mouth wash, deodorant, razors, cotton swabs, body wash, lotion, baby diapers in sizes 4, 5 and 6, and more are badly needed right now.
In addition, we are seeking donations of new, unopened cosmetics, including make-up, makeup bags, lipstick, powder, lotion, nail polish, scents and similar items. Unopened gift sets, perhaps holiday leftovers, are especially appreciated by those living below the poverty line in nearby communities. And, how about those free make-up samples and bags one receives when purchasing a certain amount of pricey product? They are literally gold for those ...
