{"id":186,"date":"2011-02-25T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2011-02-25T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jonbonjovisoulfoundation.sparkart.wpengine.com\/?p=182"},"modified":"2011-02-25T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2011-02-25T08:00:00","slug":"a-soul-warming-night-at-josephs-house","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jbjsf.org\/news\/2011\/02\/25\/a-soul-warming-night-at-josephs-house\/","title":{"rendered":"A Soul Warming Night at Joseph\u2019s House"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 \u2013 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\u2019s video. All were there because there was nowhere else for them to go that night.<\/p>\n\"A \"A\n

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 \u201cplease\u201d and \u201cthank you\u201ds) 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.<\/p>\n\"A\n

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 \u201cthanks for coming\u201d being first whispered and then spoken more loudly with much appreciation for the services and \u201chome baked\u201d food we provided. My reply was simple, \u201cNo \u2013 thank YOU for sharing so much with us.\u201d<\/p>\n

Joan McConnon, Associate Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Project H.O.M.E. in Philadelphia, PA, volunteered at Joseph\u2019s House with me that night and shared in this amazing experience. Joan\u2019s response after leaving that evening was \u201cI 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\u201d.<\/p>\n\"A \"A\n

The respite is in need of volunteers (especially on Saturdays). If you are interested please contact Bill Slaven at ws@josephshouseofcamden.org<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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 \u2013 one SOUL at a time\u2026<\/p>\n

Mimi Box<\/br>
\n
Executive Director<\/br>
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Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation<\/br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Volunteering Thursday night at Joseph\u2019s House in Camden, NJ was a truly amazing experience. It was a nasty, damp night that saw the lines beginning to form early \u2013 because once at capacity (which is approximately 40 men and women), unfortunately, they have to turn people away. Since the evening was not cold and thus code blue had been lifted the \u201ccode blue\u201d shelters were closed. Joseph\u2019s House was the only place for the homeless to go. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":185,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[28,8],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n