By Gregory Burrus | Posted Tuesday, February 2, 2021
When it comes to creativity and committing to the cause, some groups like The Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. are adapting to the times and are back again for a second year to join the Covenant House Sleep Out: Montclair Community Edition on February 26, 2021. Over the years, Covenant House has found homeless sleeping under bridges, abandoned buildings, or riding the trains. Some try to stay with people they have met, often at a cost that no one should pay. As a society we have lost kids to human trafficking, substance abuse, gangs, jail, and even death.
Covenant House, New Jersey’s mission is to provide comprehensive residential care and related services to help New Jersey’s youth who have suffered from abuse, neglect, abandonment, homelessness and human trafficking. And now the world is moving through the COVID-19 pandemic along with experiencing a national recession, which clearly means these economic conditions will further drive increases in homelessness. Since 2016, Homelessness has been increasing and the “Homelessness in 2021: Five Factors to Watch” report predicts that homelessness is on the rise among two distinct age groups, the very old and the relatively young. With 4.2 million kids facing homelessness in America every night and here in New Jersey there are about 3,000 kids that do not have a home, this situation still needs to be addressed.
Enter the Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc. (JLMN) who have shown they are committed again to helping address this situation by participating in this year’s Junior League of Montclair-Newark, Inc (JLMN) Sleep Out fundraiser. And of course the COVID-19 pandemic has required us all to get creative and alter our plans to meet this very necessary fundraising campaign.
Normally held outdoors in a town parking lot, in the cold with other sleepers, this year's 2021 Sleep Out event is being adapted to our times. To ensure everyone's safety during the COVID-19 Pandemic, it has been decided to host this Sleep Out as a virtual event. For you to participate, a link will be sent out for you to join us live for an engaging program via your computer or smartphone. Then you will sleep inside your home, backyard, or porch! Folks can still fundraise, join a team and donate and still show their commitment to the cause.
Clearly, the need to fund targeted strategies that reduce homelessness are still needed, and this annual fundraiser this year has the ambitious goal of surpassing last year's amount and is reaching $100,000 in 2021. To not have it would be devastating, especially since the proceeds of the last Junior League of Montclair-Newark fundraiser enabled Covenant House, NJ’s homeless youths to start building a life for themselves that is safe, healthy and good.
We hope you understand the need and can join us. Learn more. https://covenanthousenj.org/how-you-can-help/events/sleep-out/sleep-out-montclair.
About The Junior League of Montclair Newark – The JLMN is a supportive, amazing organization of women whose mission is to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve the community through trained volunteers. We are actively involved in supporting Foster Care initiatives and Human Trafficking legislation because we understand that our future depends on the flourishing of our communities’ children. JLMN is creating better communities for a better future. The JLMN strives to promote the safety and well-being of the children in the Montclair-Newark area. Lean more at The Junior League of Montclair Newark and you can click here for their current programs: https://www.jlmn.org/.
About Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) – Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) provides sanctuary and support for youth ages 18-21 facing homelessness or human trafficking. We have seven locations across the state: Atlantic City, Newark, Jersey City, Camden, and Asbury Park, and specialized care in Montclair and Elizabeth. Across New Jersey, we are the New Jersey Human Traffic Provider of services to all Human Trafficking survivors and victims. At CHNJ’s Montclair-based program, Nancy’s House, young people with special mental health needs who are facing homelessness can get the attention they require. We serve about 4,585 youth annually, and all our services are free. https://bit.ly/SleepOutwithHC
About the writer Gregory Burrus
Gregory Burrus is a Passionate Community Advocate, Reporter, and Writer about local events In and Around South Orange, NJ. Showcasing, photographing, videotaping events and happenings as they occur around town while living life every day to the fullest, my mission is to help my customers which are community groups, live music bands and local nonprofits reach their goals and accomplish their missions while enjoying the day to day process of life.
