March 1 2011
The Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation exists to combat issues that force families & individuals into economic despair. It is our goal to recognize and maximize the human potential in those affected by poverty and homelessness by offering assistance in establishing programs that provide food and affordable housing while supporting social services and job training programs
To donate to Jon Bon Jovi’s Birthday Wish on Causes, please click HERE
February 25 2011
Volunteers warmed up some Campbell Soup, while bread and home baked goods were set out, the coffee was perking and the large room was empty. The five minute notice was given to volunteers and then those needing shelter for the night began to arrive. I was struck by the orderliness in which they filed in and some took their favorite spot – whether it be in a corner so that after lights out a small lamp could be lit so as to permit Fred to continue reading; or in a chair the volunteers set aside for Eugene who had had his toes amputated; or at a desk and chair so Lamont could continue his assessment of the damage identity theft had done while he was incarcerated; or at the kitchen door so Asbury could show the volunteers how he makes picture frames from foil potato chip bags; or simply to position themselves in front of the TV screen for the night’s video. All were there because there was nowhere else for them to go that night.
Staff worked the room and greeted most by name. The few who were new to the respite were greeted and asked to provide certain information so as to include their information in the Homeless Management Information System. As they politely (with many “please” and “thank you”s) gathered their warm food, coffee, bread/rolls and dessert they found comfort in others around them. Some began playing cards while others took turns in the only shower at the respite. Clean clothes and blankets were distributed to those in need. Many Soul Foundation blankets were observed being used by those who had previously been given them on a prior visit. I only wished I had a few more so that those who were new could settle in on something more comfortable than the cold tile floor.
After a few hours of conversation, we, the volunteers, quietly gathered our belongings to leave the evening to the staff and clients. The lights dimmed and we began to depart – from the darkness we heard many more “thanks for coming” being first whispered and then spoken more loudly with much appreciation for the services and “home baked” food we provided. My reply was simple, “No – thank YOU for sharing so much with us.”
Joan McConnon, Associate Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Project H.O.M.E. in Philadelphia, PA, volunteered at Joseph’s House with me that night and shared in this amazing experience. Joan’s response after leaving that evening was “I would just like to say what an honor and privilege it was for me to be with all of you and the women and men of Camden last evening”.
The respite is in need of volunteers (especially on Saturdays). If you are interested please contact Bill Slaven at ws@josephshouseofcamden.org
Soup or casseroles for 50 would always be appreciated as well as bread or rolls or something sweet. Blankets, underwear for both men and women, and men’s clothing, especially pants, are in great demand. If you can help, call John Klein at 856-964-9777 ext. 606. Please also visit their website for more ways that you can help: Joseph’s House.
Thank you for your support of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation and our community partners. By coming together, WE can help make a difference – one SOUL at a time…
Mimi Box
Executive Director
Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation
February 4 2011
Please visit the White House website for a live look into the meeting! You can also participate in a live discussion of the meeting on Facebook
The live video stream was available from 9:15-11:20am EST and 1pm-3pm EST on Friday, February 4th, 2011.
The Council will provide advice to the President on the best ways to mobilize citizens, nonprofits, businesses and government to work more effectively together to solve specific community needs. In addition, the White House Council for Community Solutions has been tasked with three key functions: enlisting leaders in the non-profit, private, and philanthropic sectors to make progress on key policy goals; providing strategic input and recommendations to help the federal government promote greater innovation and cross-sector collaboration; and honoring and highlighting those making a significant impact in their own communities. The Council is composed of leaders from non-profits, corporations and foundations who are committed to social innovation and civic engagement.
January 21 2011
This video for “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” was shot in Philadelphia, PA in 2005. The work started in this video gave four local families a place to call home.
January 11 2011
This comprehensive examination not only reveals national and state level homeless counts, but also delves into economic indicators and demographic drivers – taking an in-depth look at risk factors for homelessness. Built upon the most recent nationally available data from the federal Departments of Housing and Urban Development, Health and Human Services, Justice, and other public information sources, this report analyzes the effect the recession has had on homelessness and how it has contributed to an increased risk of homelessness for many Americans.
Major Findings
The State of Homelessness in America report consists of four major sections. Chapter 1 chronicles annual changes in overall homelessness and homelessness among families and other subpopulations. Chapter 2 demonstrates how economic risk factors, including unemployment, have increased during the recent economic recession. Chapter 3 identifies some specific populations, including doubled-up people and youth aging out of foster care, that are at increased risk of homelessness and documents trends in the sizes of those populations. Chapter 4 identifies a series of states, including California, Florida, and Nevada, that face multiple risk factors for worsening homelessness.
Key Findings of the Report on Homelessness:
A majority – 31 of 50 states and the District of Columbia – had increases in their homeless counts. The largest increase was in Louisiana, where the homeless population doubled.
Among sub-populations, the largest percentage increase was in the number of family households, which increased by over 3,200 households (4 percent increase). Also, the number of persons in families increased by more then 6,000 people (3 percent increase). In Mississippi, the number of people in homeless families increased by 260 percent.
After population reductions from 2005 to 2008, the number of chronically homeless people in the country remained stagnant from 2008 to 2009, despite an 11 percent increase in the number of permanent supportive housing units.
While most people experiencing homelessness are sheltered, nearly 4 in 10 were living on the street, in a car, or in another place not intended for human habitation. In Wisconsin, twice as many people experienced homelessness without shelter in 2009 as did in 2008.
It is widely agreed upon that there is a vast undercount of the number of young people experiencing homelessness. Underscoring this is the fact that 35 percent of all communities reported that there were no homeless youth in their communities in 2009.
Please click HERE to read the entire report.
