Homelessness and Poverty - What and Where to Give

Rev. Steve Brigham post on Facebook 10/3/2019

I went out to the Town Square Saturday to do the giveaway program for the poor, and homeless for the first time since the camp closed in Howell. What a warm reception I received, getting hugs, and “Minister Steve we missed you!” There were smiles on the faces of men, and women alike. Without a doubt, it is more blessed to give than to receive. I came away with that same good old feeling of satisfaction, and a joy that just bubbles up from deep inside.

As I was packing up to leave, the ladies asked me with a look of anticipation in their eyes “Will you be coming back Minister Steve?” I can tell what was running through their minds. They need some clothes for their little girl so she can look pretty when she goes off to school, and she needs to find some warm clothes for her husband so he doesn’t have to be cold at work this winter, and maybe she can find some nice shoes for her little boy so he doesn’t have to be ashamed of the pair he has now with the holes in them. I looked at the ladies, and I feel their longing heart, and I say “Don’t worry ladies, I’ll be back next week.”

As we start into the colder months, and the needs of the homeless and poor increase dramatically, if you have some extra clothing at home that isn’t being used, I know some people right here in our area that would really appreciate them.

Also a 70 year old man by the name of John lost his housing this week, and became homeless. All he has is the clothes on his back, and he really needs some warm clothing to make it through the winter.

NEEDS LIST:

• Coats, and Jackets
• Sweatshirts, sweaters, and hoodies
• Gloves, winter hats
• Blankets, sleeping bags, and comforters
• Sheets, pillows, and pillow cases
• Shoes, and socks
• Pants, T-shirts and shirts
• Canned goods, nonperishable foods
• Water, and other nonperishable liquids
• Toiletries and hygiene products
• Camping gear and hand warmers

If you would like to drop off some clothing, there are two locations. One is in Long Branch at my wood working shop where I make craft mailboxes to help the homeless. The address is 400 Broadway, Long Branch, NJ. Go around to the units in the back, and look for L-3. If I’m not there just lift up the door, and put the bags inside. To know you’re in the right place, there is a sign to the right of the door that says “First Impression Mailbox”. My number is 732-364-0340 if you have any problems.

The second location is at Red Rose Consignment at 77 Cassville Rd. Jackson, NJ. At this location, the owner is willing to put some items on consignment to help raise money to support the program so I can continue to do what I do. The vast majority of the items will go to the poor in Lakewood. Please call Lisa (the owner) before you come. Lisa’s number is 732-961-7320.

If you would like to help support the program financially, you can contribute to:
Destiny’s Bridge, P.O. Box 692, Lakewood, NJ 08701 or, PayPal @
Destinysbridgefoundation@gmail.com, or visit our website at Destinysbridge.org.

Thank you for your ongoing kindness towards the poor of our area, you really make a difference! God bless.