Did you know that there has been a 32% increase in unsheltered homelessness in Morris County YTD? And did you know that there are state-level resources available to help people access housing?
Rev. Sasha learned both facts last Wednesday when joining other Morristown faith leaders for a meeting with Michael Callahan, Director of the Office of Homelessness Prevention for the NJ Department of Community Affairs, and Jillian Barrick, our Town Administrator for Morristown. They hope to activate faith community support for an upcoming state-funded effort here in our community. Called the “Sprint,” this 6-month rapid initiative seeks to house 25 chronically unsheltered individuals here in Morristown and strengthen community coordination.
Working through Collaborative Support Programs of New Jersey (CSPNJ), faith communities are invited to support the Sprint in any way we are able, which might include:
- meals
- move-in kits
- volunteers
- donations
- non-judgmental listening
- hospitality circles
- fundraising events
- supply drives
Faith leaders from several Morristown congregations attended the meeting, and there was strong interest in the room in joining together in this effort. Each congregation is free to decide for ourselves what kind of support we can provide. No congregation needs to do everything, but we are all encouraged to do something.
How wonderful it would be if Morristown UU could be a part of this important community project! Rev. Sasha is looking for a team of 3-5 volunteers to coordinate our congregation’s participation in this interfaith effort. She anticipates that this work will last approximately 6 months, although there could be future opportunities if the Sprint is successful, as this is somewhat of a trial case for what could be a longer-term program here in Morristown. Because the effort begins in approximately 2-3 weeks, Sasha is especially looking for people who are prepared to help her rapidly assess what kind of support MUUF is able to offer and then organize our community to provide it.
If you’re interested, please email Rev. Sasha.