The City of Hoboken has just launched their “Fresh Start” program to aid those experiencing homelessness, including providing showers, haircuts, clothing, food, and more.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and the opportunity for a fresh start. Our goal with this initiative is to provide not only basic amenities but also a renewed sense of self-worth and hope for a better future,” Mayor Ravi Bhalla said in a statement.
“We know that homelessness is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach, which is why the new initiative aims to help address both the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness while also connecting them to long-term services. Thank you to our local businesses and non-nonprofits for partnering with us on this initiative.”
Spearheaded by the city’s social workers and the Office of Constituent Services, the initiative helps supply some fundamental needs to those without homes that encompasses hygiene, grooming, clothing, and sustenance.
As communities across the country grapple with providing support to the unhoused, Hoboken’s Fresh Start Program is a proactive response to alleviate some of the hardships vulnerable individuals may face.
The program offers a safe and welcoming space where participants can access much-needed resources including shower trailers, haircuts, clean clothing, nutritious sandwiches, and connection to vital services.
Through a partnership with Archangel Raphael’s Mission, Street Life Ministry, Markdaniel Barbershop, and the W Hotel, the city provided 11 individuals with haircuts and 17 with showers, hygiene care packets, clothing, food, and more on Monday.
For further information about the Fresh Start program, please contact Hoboken social workers Lori Hetzel at lhetzel@hobokennj.gov and Bianca Hoffer at Bhoffer@hobokennj.gov.
More information on Hoboken’s social workers can be found here, the Archangel Raphael’s Mission website is here, and the Street Life Ministry Inc. website is here.
Ravi just wants to make this a slum like SanFrancisco.
How about stopping homelessness. Writing letters to a coupla big buildings isn’t protecting the rest of the tenants, half of town already left. If Ravi wasn’t mayor he would’t be able to afford it here either.
Ravi Bhalla now has second private sector job after he said he would only be mayor with a six figure salary and platinum plated benefits, has his crew vote him hefty raises, and a father funding a half million addition to his single family home.
It easy to hurt others when you can’t feel pain.
Portland here we come! Let’s set up the first tent city at 9th and Garden. Teek hai?
They’re getting ready to evict me at the age of 70 in the apartment I’m in because I wasn’t on the lease and my friend owns back rent I do get SSI every month but they say I have to fill an application it may take one year really.