Dine Out and Make a Difference During National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week, Nov. 12-20

Contact: Mary Beth Rosenthal

Tel.: (973) 464.5568

Email: marybethrosenthal@mac.com

Date: 10.18.2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MONTCLAIR RESTAURANTS JOIN WITH MESH

FOR “NATIONAL HUNGER AND HOMELESSNESS WEEK,” NOV. 12-20

Dine Out and Make a Difference: Kick Off Event -“Meshing with Motown”- Nov. 5th

For many, fall’s colder air signals the joy of the holiday season and the warmth of time spent with family and friends. But not everyone can look forward to abundant meals and cozy homes. National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is an annual event, held the week before Thanksgiving, to draw attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness. The 2016 event takes place November 12-20.

Here in Montclair, several local restaurants will join with MESH (Montclair Emergency Services for the Homeless) for “Dine Out and Make a Difference” to mark the week. During “Dine Out and Make a Difference,” the restaurants will donate a portion of the their proceeds to support MESH programs to help those experiencing homelessness and food insecurity in Montclair.

The restaurants include: Golden River Restaurant at 553 Bloomfield Avenue, Smash Burger at 989 Bloomfield Avenue, and Euro Barbecue at 367 Bloomfield. Times, dates, coupons and updates are available on the MESH website (MESHMontclair.org).

MESH Executive Director Gwen Ames noted that people commonly think of the homeless in big cities like Newark – but that homelessness and food insecurity have been rising in suburbs, including Montclair, for several years. She also said that MESH recently extended its mission to another “hidden” group, homeless college students who stay in the dorms during the academic year but have no place to go during winter and summer breaks.

MESH will kick off the week with a fundraiser – “MESHing with Motown” -- on Saturday evening, November 5th. The benefit will take place at the Conference Center at Montclair State University, from 7-10pm. Guests will enjoy dancing to the dynamic Motown sound of Valerie Adams and the Dimension Band, along with food, beer and wine, and a silent auction and raffle. Tickets prices range from $75 to $150 per person, and are available on the MESH website (MESHMontclair.org).

About MESH

MESH has been caring for the most vulnerable in our community since it was established in 2005 by local ministers, who noticed an increase in homeless people in Montclair and started passing out coffee and sandwiches on the street. Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit in 2011, today MESH, in partnership with local churches and synagogues, provides an evening meal to up to 60 guests six days a week – 10,000 meals a year. MESH also offers emergency respite when temperatures fall below 25 degrees, providing a safe place for people to sleep for up to 40 nights a year: conducts educational outreach -- “Homelessness and Hunger Fairs” -- for middle and high school students, Girl Scout troops, and church groups: tends six plots in the Montclair Community Garden to provide fresh vegetables and herbs for partner meals: and supports homeless college students during winter and summer breaks, after dormitories close for the season through the MESH Scholars/ Home for the Holidays program. MESH operates with a dedicated Board and part-time staff; 75% of our annual budget comes from private donations. ##