New from Jeff Wild, NJ Coalition to End Homelessness

Attorney Jeff Wild, defender of people living in Tent City and a trustee for the NJ Coalition to End Homelessness wrote the following:

On Wednesday night, with the bitter cold approaching, the City of Lakewood sent its police into Tent City and ordered the more than 80 homeless men and women shivering in the woods to shut down the wood-burning stoves they need to survive.  At least three residents were charged under Lakewood's latest municipal ordinance for the "crime" of being homeless and trying to survive.  Those charged included Monique G., who is six-months pregnant; her boyfried William B.; and even a senior citizen, 72-year-old Phyllis H.

However, with your support, we obtained an emergency Temporary Restraining Order on Friday afternoon prohibiting any effort by Lakewood to enforce the ordinance against the lawfully protected residents of Tent City until at least the next court hearing on December 6th.  Here are links to the TV story from NBC News and the newspaper story from the Asbury Park Press:

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/video/#!/on-air/as-seen-on/Tent-City-Eviction-in-New-Jersey/233147191

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013311220023

Just during our first year of work, the Coalition provided $108,370 in grants for Rapid Rehousing (securing immediate permanent housing for the homeless), $70,000 for Homeless Prevention (help with rent or utility arrears to prevent homelessness), $28,803 for Emergency Housing (for the most desperate individuals and families), and $200,000 for those homeless due to Hurricane Sandy. We are also becoming NJ’s leading voice in Trenton and elsewhere for the homeless and law reform to end homelessness.
Please join us now.

If you are homeless, there is no charge for you to click below and become a member of the Coalition. If you are lucky enough to have a home, please consider clicking on the link below and supporting the Coalition with a $50 annual membership.  Any business can support the homeless by becoming a member for $500 and any nonprofit can support the homeless with a $250 membership. Of course, all contributions are tax-deductible -- and every membership makes us stronger when we are there for NJ’s homeless:
https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E163318&id=3