Bergen County Volunteer Center Seeks Donations for Homeless Veterans, Youth

Press release:

The Volunteer Center will be partnering with the Bergen County Division of Veterans Services and Streetsmart Outreach in assisting homeless veterans and youth in the area.

According to Richard Daul, director of Veterans Service, about one third of the adult homeless population are veterans. Although perfect counts are impossible to come by—the transient nature of homeless populations presents a major difficulty—it is estimated that over 100 veterans are homeless on any given night in Bergen County, and over the course of a year, approximately twice that many can experience homelessness.

Mariel Acevedo, a counselor for the Bergen-Hudson regions of Streetsmart Outreach, says, “We provide support and a hopeful future to homeless teens, runaways and young adults. Community support will help improve the living conditions of those experiencing homelessness.” Homelessness is on the rise with youth and runaways reaching more than 200 in 2014. Mental health issues, substance abuse, and lack of family and social support networks have all contribute to a 6% rise in homelessness.

Donations of backpacks, blankets, sleeping bags, toiletry kits (toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, comb/brush, razor, shaving cream, feminine products, small bag to hold items and a set of towels), wind up flashlights, can openers, zip lock bags, small first aid kits, socks, undergarments for men and women, sweatshirts, flannel shirts, thermal tops and bottoms in all sizes to extra large, winter boots, gloves, hats and coats, bottled water, pop-top foods like fruit, soup, stew, etc., individual snack packs of granola bars, nuts, raisins, etc., bus tickets and gift cards to Walmart, Shop Rite, McDonald’s, Subway, and Pizza Hut are needed.

For a full list of items needed by the veterans and homeless youth, go towww.bergenvolunteers.org.

Donors can drop off these items at the Volunteer Center’s offices, located at 64 Passaic Street in Hackensack, during the week of Jan. 12 to 15, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with evening hours till 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 15. Monetary donations will also accepted to purchase additional items and gift cards.

Call 201-489-9454 or visit the Volunteer Center’s homepage atwww.bergenvolunteers.org for more information.

The Volunteer Center of Bergen County strengthens the community by connecting people through service and developing civic leaders.