New Plan For Panera? Hoboken Responds To Concerns About Homelessness

HOBOKEN, NJ — After Panera Bread in Hoboken removed its indoor seating three weeks ago — a response to fights and hypodermic needles in the bathroom, an assistant manager said — Hoboken residents have asked what the city was doing to help the nearby homeless population, including at the shelter two blocks away.

The story, first covered by Patch, made news around the area, with readers seeing the issue as a sign of growing economic difficulties.

This week, Panera removed the signs it had taped to the restaurant only three weeks earlier, which advised customers that they were now open solely for takeout or delivery.

But Patryk Szukalski, the store manager, hinted Wednesday that the signs were not taken down because the policy is changing soon. He has been referring questions from the press to a vice president at Panera's national headquarters, and said he could not comment in great detail.

But he said the change was part of a "new reality" in urban restaurants, particularly with the rise of grab-and-go service.

A new sign at the cash register instructs employees at Panera to "politely" ask members of the press to leave the bakery area if they come in to shoot photos or video.

A call to Panera's national vice president in charge of wellness was not returned by press time, but the story will be updated if new information is received. Nationally, Panera focuses on nutrition and donates to charities and schools through its "Dough Nation" program.

The Starbucks location on the same block of Washington Street removed most of its indoor seating last year, although it provides seating near the window.

'New Reality'

Hoboken's homeless shelter has been located two blocks from the main strip of Washington Street for decades, but city officials say the homeless population is growing.

On Feb 1, Hoboken augmented its Office of Constituent Services by hiring two full-time social workers to deal just with the homeless population, who work under the director of the office.

In past years and through different administrations, the city and the county have publicly announced various initiatives and task forces to help the homeless. Hoboken announced a new Homelessness Task Force in 2018.

But the city had not hired a staff member to deal exclusively with homelessness before this year.

Fourth Ward Councilman Ruben Ramos said this week, "Over the past few years we have seen an unfortunate uptick in our homeless population. That is why I sponsored an amendment to include social workers in our 2023 municipal budget to proactively assist our Police Department and Emergency Services ... [they] have hit the ground running already doing outreach. Over time they will be able to make a positive impact aiding individuals with the necessary programs."

City spokesperson Marilyn Baer said that Panera had not reached out to City Hall with any concerns before removing its indoor seating.

Regarding homelessness, she said, "The city's social workers have begun to work with individuals experiencing homelessness or facing housing insecurity to connect them with available resources and relatives. They make regular rounds at the Hoboken Shelter, St. Matthew's Lunchtime Ministry, the Hoboken Public Library, and other locations."

She added, "The city is bringing more resources to bear to help assist those experiencing homelessness. While cities across the county grapple with this issue, the city of Hoboken is one of very few municipalities who have proactively hired two social workers who are specifically trained to meet the needs of those experiencing homelessness by helping to connect them with the proper support services, which in turn will help to keep them off the streets."

The Hoboken Homeless Shelter has also made changes this year.

Director Jaclyn Cherubini told NJ.com that during the pandemic, the shelter had staggered the times people could be inside, to reduce crowding. This year, they began allowing more people inside at once. The shelter provides case management and skills training, and accepts volunteers and donations.

Cherubini noted that some people who use the shelter have jobs locally. (Hoboken's rents have skyrocked to become among the highest in the nation, although some of the increases aren't legal.)

Hudson County also has a homeless shelter that's open nightly through March 31. In the past, they have picked people up at the Hoboken train station on cold evenings when a "Code Blue" is called. Find out more here.

Local Library A Lifesaver

Over the last year, the Hoboken Library has made creative efforts to help low-income and homeless residents by providing services and toiletries free of charge. They also host a weekly drop-in with a social worker to help people access government services and fill out paperwork.

More recently, they built a Community Resource Shelf near the entrance with helpful items and pamphlets. These include "Code Blue Kits" containing blankets and hand-warmers.

There's also a separate bag containing toiletries and menstrual goods. Find out more here.