NJCDC Teams-up with Area Non-Profits for Project Homeless Connect and Point in Time Count

Every two years during the last week in January, cities across the country participate in a the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s mandated 24 hour homeless count. The information gathered during the “Point in Time Count” is responsible for funding that supports programs fighting homelessness in subsequent years. For the past three years in New Jersey, the Point in Time Count was coupled with Project Homeless Connect in, an event where various community members come together in one place to offer resources and services to the less fortunate. New Jersey Community Development Corporation (NJCDC) was proud to participate in both events again in 2009, which drew over 150 volunteers. Previous count results from 2007 indicated that there were 986 homeless men, women and children in the County, and many believe those numbers will increase when results are in from this year’s count.

Beginning at 12:00 am on January 28th, 2009, volunteers led by local non-profit organizations and businesses began searching the streets for homeless individuals.

As the snow began to fall, these volunteers from all walks of life surveyed homeless individuals and offered them warm coats, gloves, hats, hot chocolate and sandwiches.

Later that morning, the third annual Project Homeless Connect kicked off in a large outdoor tent at Eva’s Village. Twelve local agencies and businesses, as well as numerous volunteers, helped hundreds of needy individuals and families receive warm cloths, shoes, coats and non-perishable food items. Other volunteers provided much needed services such as free blood pressure screenings, medication advice from a certified pharmacist, and assistance in opening bank accounts. Even a therapeutic dog volunteered his services and provided comfort on a snowy day. All in attendance were welcomed by the staff and volunteers of Eva’s Village to enjoy a hot meal, which is served daily.

The Point in Time Count continued till 12:00am of January 29th. The results of this count are not yet available.