What About the Humans?

Thank you, Christi Peace and the Asbury Park Press, for addressing the issue of youth homelessness in your July 31 article, “How Many Homeless in Ocean, Monmouth” But as an advocate for the homeless, allow me to remind readers that the statistics and issues cited in the article barely scratch the surface of homelessness in New Jersey.

The article mentions that Ocean ranks among the top counties for homelessness in our state. Thus, it is beyond shameful that the closest homeless shelters – as in, shelters serving the two-thirds of homeless folks not mentioned in the article – are in Atlantic City and Asbury Park. And it is worth noting that due to the recent influx of homeless coming in from Ocean, the Atlantic City Rescue Mission will no longer accept people from outside of Atlantic County. Moreover, Ocean County boasts four animal shelters, while homeless humans are largely ignored by the powers that be. Certainly the sad-eyed puppies and kittens in all those TV ads elicit our sympathy, but are human beings not worthy of at least the same level of care and compassion?

And for those who are slipping through the cracks, failing to qualify for government assistance and other emergency housing programs, the situation is growing increasingly urgent. The 2015 Point-in-Time survey states that the number of chronically homeless individuals in New Jersey has risen by over 70% in the past five years to nearly 1500 people. Peace’s article emphasizes another important point: that without an address, it is impossible for people to find employment. And so the cycle of extreme poverty continues, and the odds of the homeless rejoining society as functioning, productive members are lowered even more.

We are left to wonder how much worse the problem needs to get before those in power take notice, and take action.

As an alternative to traditional shelters, which address neither the underlying cause of homelessness nor the emotional needs and dignity of the individual, I am working with other advocates on a more comprehensive solution: an intentional community known as “Destiny’s Bridge.” Our mission underscores the belief that “each person is deserving of dignity and validation regardless of their circumstances.” Our plan is to provide not only shelter, but also medical care, opportunities for rehabilitation, holistic healing, and most of all, community and emotional support. More information is available on the Destiny’s Bridge website, www.destinysbridge.org.

I strongly believe we can do better, and need to do better, to ensure that shelter is recognized as a basic human right for all people.

Thank you.