Updates from Our Partners in Ministry

While we have been isolated in the midst of the pandemic our partners in ministry have been busy finding new ways to carry out our important shared work and outreach. Here are some updates from our partners.

FAMILY PROMISE 

Following the onset of the pandemic, Family Promise of Hudson County needed to cease its practice of housing homeless families with congregations. For two months the families were living in AirBnB’s, and then moved into a couple of vacant manses. A new interim director, Bernice Vanderpool, diligently took over both the logistics and case work oversight of the families and successfully helped three more families “graduate” from the program last year and secure their own housing. We now have two families living in the parsonages at two locations. Now Family Promise, through two grants from Hudson County United Way and Trinity Episcopal, is expanding to include outreach in a Homeless Prevention Program. This is a proactive approach to save vulnerable families on the verge of homelessness to avoid losing their home and working alongside these families to attain a more secure future. This means instead of helping two to five families after the trauma of homelessness, we can help twenty families avoid the trauma of homelessness. 

In addition, Family Promise has also expanded to include an Alumni Support Program to provide ongoing assistance and encouragement to families who have moved on from the program but (especially in the current economic situation) may still be vulnerable. Johnnie Lovejoy and Wendy Badree are the new Alumni Support Coordinators and will be in touch with alumni families and communicating any needs or exciting news with the congregations that are part of the Family Promise network. 

For more information visit: https://www.familypromisehudson.org

JERSEY CITY TOGETHER

Jersey City Together has been all but inactive over the past year. The clergy and strategic leadership team have met by Zoom nearly every Tuesday throughout the pandemic. In August, we hosted a statewide virtual action with over 2,000 participants putting pressure on the governor and state legislators to work on issues of racial justice and criminal reform. Closer to home, we have seen progress on the construction of mixed income affordable housing at the 100 acre Bayfront site. The education team has successfully found additional funding for Jersey City Public Schools, and the Tenants Rights team has held webinars on tenants rights during Covid-19 which have helped dozens of anxious renters avoid eviction during the pandemic.

On Thursday, March 11th at 7:30pm, Jersey City Together will hold an action with 250+ parents & faith leaders focused on education needs in Jersey City. They will discuss ways to address the funding crisis facing the district and share feedback from the 1,000+ parents about learning during the pandemic. Superintendent Walker and Board of Education President Ali are both confirmed to attend & our congregation has committed to bring six people. Please join us and register at http://www.njtogether.org/education