World Homeless Day In Newark: Food, Clothes, Haircuts, Screenings, Support

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of Newark Emergency Services for Families. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

Newark Emergency Services for Families, Inc. (NESF) will join communities around the state and world in recognizing World Homeless Day, an event dedicated to raising awareness about homelessness and advocating for solutions to end housing and food insecurity.

As part of NESF’s 7th annual Day of Service in Recognition of World Homeless Day, the nonprofit organization will partner with Mayor Ras Baraka, the Newark Municipal Council, the City of Newark, and local community-based agencies, businesses, shelters, and local providers to offer food, clothing, mental health support, substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, job placement resources, and direct services. The free community fair will also offer other services including health screenings, HIV testing, clothing, free haircuts, and care packages.

• When: Friday, Oct. 9, 2026
• Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Where: Lincoln Park, Newark, NJ

Newark Emergency Services for Families, Inc. (NESF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1977 to help meet the needs of the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, and low-income individuals and families in Essex County, New Jersey. Since its inception, the agency has built a strong record of providing direct and referral-based services to our community’s most disenfranchised and vulnerable residents, including poor and unemployed individuals. NESF is a multifaceted organization that offers a range of programs through its integrated service delivery system. We provide support to individuals and families through programming in several areas: emergency assistance, workforce development, housing, health, and family development.

The Mission of NESF is to stabilize and empower individuals and families in crisis by providing financial assistance, case management, support services, and community resources. With a focus on housing and food insecurity, as well as workforce development, NESF serves as an anchor social service institution that helps residents survive today so that they may thrive tomorrow.

With around 150 million homeless souls globally, the urgency could not be greater. According to the New Jersey Department of Housing and Urban Development, homelessness in the state is on the rise, and more than 10,000 people are chronically homeless today.

“Our World Homeless Day event aims to provide resources to residents without addresses and the disenfranchised members of the Newark community,” said Amina Bey, Executive Director of NESF. “As we approach 50 years of service, it is our mission to help those in need and continue to be a catalyst for change. Every year we get bigger and better. At our first annual event in 2020, NESF hosted 23 organizations and served 312 residents. In 2025, we hosted 57 organizations from all over the State of New Jersey and served over 1,000 residents.

We strive to make a significant impact every day. World Homeless Day is a powerful reminder that housing is not a privilege; it is a fundamental human right. Far too many families and individuals in our communities are living without the security and dignity that a home provides. This underscores my unwavering commitment to creating affordable housing that restores hope, builds stability, and opens doors to opportunity. On this day, and every day, we must work together to ensure that no one is left without a place to call home."

World Homeless Day is observed annually on October 10 to raise awareness about homelessness and encourage local action to address the needs of homeless individuals.

Purpose and Significance

World Homeless Day aims to highlight the issues surrounding homelessness, promote community involvement, and advocate for policies that can help prevent and end homelessness. It serves as a platform for organizations and individuals to come together to discuss solutions and share their efforts in alleviating the suffering of those experiencing homelessness.

History

The first World Homeless Day was celebrated on October 10, 2010, following discussions among activists and organizations working to combat homelessness. Since then, it has been recognized in over 100 countries and has become a significant day for raising awareness and mobilizing action against homelessness.

Contact Mark Lauterbach at 973-639-2100 or mlauterbach@nesfnj.org To learn more about NESF, visit www.nesfnj.org.

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