By Rev Darlene F. Wilson, Community Outreach Pilgrim Baptist Church
As the Community Outreach for Pilgrim Baptist Church in Red Bank, I look forward to the awesome responsibility of this census count. Under the leadership of our pastor Terrence Porter, who is know in the community for his involvement in outreach, it has been an honor for the past four years to be asked to host for Monmouth County Dept. of Human Services.
The purpose of the survey is to get a more accurate account of homeless individuals in our shore area. In preparation for this January 27 event, we start at the end of the year with a coat drive. Many organizations and schools take part in this event.
We at Pilgrim have a group of dedicated volunteers that started sorting and hanging coats three weeks prior to the event. This could never have taken place without our Compassion, Men’s, & Women’s Ministry. We realize that if someone is homeless in the winter time coats would be of great need. This year the drive generated over 400 hundred coats for children, men, and women. It did not stop there: gloves, scarves hats, new clothes and over four cases of new shoes, toiletries, and even some new toys.
On the day of the Point In Time Survey, we started at 9 a.m. People came in and warmed up with a hot cup of coffee and a light Continental breakfast supplied by our local JBJ Soul Kitchen, who has been an active part in this from day one.
Once people filled out the survey, they visited some of the not-for-profit vendors that have made themselves available for the day to assist in the applicant’s individual need. Whether it be setting up appointments, or finding out what Red Bank Resource center may have to offer – whatever information that may be needed to make the day a true life-changing experience for them and their family. Some of the vendors that came out to be a part of making a difference were P.A.C.E., a fairly new program in our area for Seniors; HABcore, which helps find housing for homeless; Veterans Affairs„ where many veterans can tap into resources that they are unaware of.
For the past three years the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey has been doing blood pressure screenings. Their kindness did not stop there. They also set up a flu shot clinic, free of charge. No this day does not stop there. Our local soup kitchen Lunch Break, extended an invitation to dine with them, but they also had lunches prepared for over 53 volunteers and staff. With the collaborative effort of our community partners we were able to service over 120 people and have over 75 people participate in the census count. This is the highest number that we have had since our unfortunate 2012 Hurricane Sandy.
To all that took part, thank you again. The Bible teaches Matthew 25:40, “Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.”
