FALL 2008Tom Etherington
Mullica Hill MMIn June the Steering Committee was visited by Emanuel Murray, Homeless Prevention Representative of Volunteers of America Homeless Prevention Program in Thorofare, and Carol Nothdurft, a Woodbury Meeting attender who volunteers at VOA. They told of the increased need for emergency assistance due to current economic conditions. Steering Committee thought this matter important enough to include an article in Salem Quarter News telling how Friends might help.
Carol reassures a caller,
“That’s why we’re here.”In preparation for this article I visited the VOA Homeless Prevention Center in St. Paul's UMC Church in Thorofare. When I visited, several people were being assisted by the Center. One was getting some help with utility payments, another was asking for help for the first time and getting a box of needed food. I overheard her say, it was better than "just bread and mashed potatoes," which had apparently been the extent of her recent diet. Carol told me I had missed the first four people they had helped that day. Those people had come in tears. VOA was their last hope.
Carol, who volunteers two days a week at the center, is often on telephone duty. As such, she is often the first person new people talk to. She says that most people only come to VOA as a last resort and are ashamed to have to ask for help. One of her most important jobs is to comfort people who call for help. They need to know that it is all right to ask for assistance. She reassures them, "That's why we're here."
Better than just
bread and mashed potatoes.VOA tries to prevent homelessness before it stars by providing basic assistance in form of food, clothing, rent, mortgage, and utility payments. They help people find jobs, and give counseling about job interviews and provide "interview clothes" to help people make a better impression.
They help an average of 112 families a month, and last winter joined with New Jersey SHARES to help people pay energy bills.
The number of people coming for help has increased as the economy has slowed, and they are looking for increased sources of funding. Friends can help by donating money, or food. Donations of any size are appreciated. By purchasing food through Food Bank, VOA is able to feed a family for about $20 a month. Friends may want to Adopt-a-Family by sending $20 a month. You can send donations to Volunteers of America, P.O. Box 125, Thorofare, NJ, 08086. Mark your check for homeless prevention. You can call 856-853-0350 for more information.
Friends can also help by volunteering. You can find out what opportunities are available by calling Kelli Wright, Communications Clerk, at 856-854-4660 or KWright@voadv.org.
The day I visited, the pantry had just received a shipment from the Food Bank,
but the meat freezer was nearly empty.RETURN TO TABLE OF CONTENTS
Last modified:
Monday, August 11, 2008 at 10:28 PM
