LSMNJ provides a safe have for those in need of daytime shelter and services
Nearly 700 people are homeless in Camden County, according to an annual Point-In-Time Count of the Homeless in New Jersey. Among these people, about 150 were described as "unsheltered" and living in such public spaces as parks, bus or train stations, cars or abandoned buildings. Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey's (LSMNJ) New Visions Homeless Day Shelter in Camden provides a safe haven for those in need of daytime shelter and services. A recent $10,000 grant from Investors Foundation will assist New Visions in meeting the needs of Camden's homeless population.
Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey (LSMNJ) applied for the grant from the Investors Foundation, which supports non-profit organizations that enrich the diverse communities served by Investors Bank.
New Visions, located at 555B Atlantic Avenue, provides breakfast and lunch, as well as access to showers and a laundry room. There also is a food pantry with non-perishable food items and hygiene supplies, and a clothing closet with season-appropriate clothes and new socks and underwear when available.
According to LSMNJ President and CEO Colleen Frankenfield, New Visions is not only a safe place for homeless individuals to gather and be nourished, but also a center for those in need of services to address the next step in their lives. "On an average day, Monday through Friday," said Frankenfield, "New Visions serves between 125 and 150 people. It serves the needs of Camden's homeless population thanks in part to the many churches, community groups, individuals and companies like Investors Bank and the Investors Foundation."
"We take for granted the ability to have a hot shower, clean clothes and a good meal," said Andrea Bondy, Investors Bank Assistant Vice President and Vincentown Branch Manager. "But not everyone has been so lucky. Providing this grant to Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey for New Visions enables us to contribute in a small way to serving those in need."
Carol-Anne Peacock, Investors Bank Assistant Vice President and Maple Shade Branch Manager said, "One of the things that you often don't think of is the ability to send and receive mail if you are homeless. New Visions provides a mailing address, which can be critically important for acquiring a job, receiving information about critical services, etc. Investors is gratified to be able to make a difference in the lives of those served by New Visions."
This item submitted by Kathleen Brust, Laura Bishop Communications, for Investors Foundation.