By Jeff Friedman
Livingston resident Jeff “the Coat Guy” Friedman, founder and director of the Livingston Philanthropies, Inc., here, in his own words, introduces his charitable organization and its mission to new readers. Livingston Philanthropies conducts a seasonal coat drive and year-round collections of travel-sized toiletries for the homeless, as well as men’s dresswear, feminine hygiene products, and diapers.
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Now more than ever, Livingston Philanthropies, Inc. (LPI) is calling on generous Livingston residents to help provide for the “poor, homeless and disenfranchised.” You know who they are… the folks you sometimes see on TV, living out on the cold streets or in shelters. Compellingly, many are only minutes away in nearby communities.
In this week’s special issue of Livingston’s West Essex Tribune, distributed townwide, I know that new readers are, for the first time, learning about Livingston’s local philanthropic effort, which is now in its eighth year. I’m urging generous residents to dig deep into closets, basements, attics and garages for unneeded coats, hats, gloves and scarves and drop them at the offices of our good partner, the West Essex Tribune, located at 495 South Livingston Avenue, next to ShopRite. Or, please email me at jftv1@verizon.net for convenient, private pick-up. We collect travel-sized toiletries, cosmetics and diapers, too. Please help families who are living well below the poverty line. They need it all, and more.
You can also empower LPI to do some “personal shopping for the homeless” on your behalf by mailing your local contribution to Livingston Philanthropies, Inc., P.O. Box 247, Livingston, NJ 07039. We’ll find sales to purchase gloves, hats, men’s underwear, men’s socks, and the many other items that are needed. Or, maybe many of our Livingston neighbors can go “personal shopping” themselves, either in stores or online. As we like to say at LPI, “If you see something, buy something.”
I’m sometimes asked, what are the causes of poverty and homelessness? To answer, I consulted experts from the National Alliance to End Homelessness, who give the following causes:
“When housing is out of reach: More than at any other time, there is a lack of housing that low income people can afford. Without housing options, people face eviction, instability and homelessness.”
“Income and housing affordability: Low income households often do not earn enough to pay for food, clothing, transportation and a place they can call home.
“Connecting homelessness and health: Health and homelessness are inextricably linked. Health problems can cause ...
