2007 was a very good year! Here's the recap:
First, you will recall from my October update that we were awarded HUD funding for the LINKs TWO Project, which will help us to purchase housing for five chronically homeless disabled adults. For our first purchase, we have contracted on a one bedroom condominium in Hackensack and hope to close on it in the third week of February. We will furnish this unit with new or gently used furniture, linens, draperies, household items, all those things that a new apartment needs.
Second, our 2007 Capital Campaign challenge grant exceeded our expectations. The Domain Fund challenged us to raise $40,000 before October 2007. Instead, we raised almost $53,000. And, once again, because of our success, the Domain Fund gave us another chance, this time, to raise $45,000.
Third, our 2007 annual fundraiser, Wine and Food: a Perfect Pairing, was our most successful yet. Our venue was Seasons; our honoree, that generous spirit, Aldo Cascio, who has hosted us at the Brick House numerous times in the past. This year's event featured not only the wine tasting but a silent auction to which our generous community donated over sixty items.
Antonio Cascio, honoree Aldo Cascio, Jill Cascio, Joan McNamara
We did this all with the amazing support you give to us day in and day out. You made it happen…many thanks!
On Tuesday, January 29, Bergen County and county organizations will participate in the nationwide Point In Time (PIT) Survey, a snapshot of the number of people who are homeless on that day. We will be interviewing people who are living on the streets, under bridges, in the woods, in cardboard boxes and those who walk into social service agencies seeking help. Last year's PIT survey taken in January revealed that, conservatively, there were 941 adults and 513 children who were homeless: 1,454 people in Bergen County with no place to call home.
The experts know that this is a conservative count because it does not include those who are:
-precariously housed, living one paycheck away from eviction, or
-those living in substandard, overcrowded and even dangerous housing, or
-those moving among family and friends, perhaps as frequently as daily, just to keep a roof over their heads.
Also, it does not include those who could not be found or who simply avoid being a part of this count, who shun the homeless label.
Here's what we know about the 1454 + homeless based on the survey:
-64% are single
-33% are single with children
-60% are women
-60% are white
-virtually all are United States citizens
-and 3% are veterans. (personally, I expect that number to grow in coming months)
Respondents believed the most common factors that may have contributed to their homelessness were medical and mental health issues, substance abuse and domestic violence.
Virtually all of the respondents -94%- reported some form of income most often Social Security, Medicaid, Emergency Assistance and Food Stamps. 13% were employed. Obviously, none had sufficient income to sustain a household without some additional support. All were drawing on expensive emergency services to meet their basic needs.
On a Social Security income of $634 a month, a person should be able to afford a monthly rent of $190 or 30% of his or her income. Yet the fair market rent for a studio in Bergen County is $927. Indeed, a person employed full-time at minimum wage would have to work 100 hours per week to afford a studio apartment.
The work continues….
My best wishes for a healthy and happy new year.
Karen E. Amy
President
January 2008