Our Mission
We assist, empower, and educate individuals who are homeless in securing housing and other benefits that will ultimately ensure their ability to live independently with self-determination. We simultaneously advocate for these individuals and teach them to self-advocate when confronted by the various institutions, agencies, and other facets of society which may jeopardize their survival and success. We are dedicated to fulfilling this mission without judgment or intolerance while showing genuine respect and empathy for each individual.
Our History
In 2003, a dedicated group of individuals including Ramona Pappas, Joan Mandel and Stan Rosenthal wanted to address the homeless crisis in our area. In cooperation with the Freehold Clergy Association and their members, the Emergency Housing Program began. A winter hospitality program hosting up to a dozen men each night operates annually from December 1st through March 31st at participating congregations. In addition to nightly shelter, the program has always strived to provide a pathway to self sufficiency for the men that are hosted. Over the years it became apparent that there was a great need for the advocacy services being provided. In 2017, an office open to the public was established so that services could be expanded to women and families visiting our facility. The hospitality program continues today and more than one hundred people visit our office each week for assistance.
What do we do?
SHELTER IN THE WINTER MONTHS…Our winter hospitality program takes place at Freehold Clergy Association member congregations and operates each year when the temperatures drop. The program is run almost entirely by volunteers who screen clients, cook and serve meals, and sleep over at some of your houses of worship while the men are there. Up to a dozen homeless men are hosted each night, from December 1st through March 31st.
ADVOCACY FROM OUR OFFICE FOR MEN, WOMEN & FAMILIES…Hundreds of people come into our office each month for help with housing, obtaining identification so they’re eligible for benefits, assistance with medical and mental health issues, and just to escape the harsh winter temperatures or the extreme heat of the summer. When they come into our office they can speak with our licensed social worker or with a volunteer, they can have a snack or a bottle of water, they can use the bathroom, and they can use the phones and computers that we provide.
During winter 2017-18, EHAP made a difference! Look at what we did:
120 Nights of shelter
240 Meals provided (dinner & breakfast)
1021 Bed Nights
19 Lives Touched With our Overnight Program
10 People placed into Permanent Housing from the Overnight Program
Our 2017-2018 shelter season has completed:
17 Lives Touches with our Overnight Program
2 People placed into Permanent Housing from the Overnight Program
More than 210 lives touched with our Advocacy Program in our new office
Our Board
Michael Holzer
Board Chair
Adriana Crump
Secretary
Rachel Guether
Treasurer
Bonnie Kass-Viola
Board Member
William Wilson
Board Member
George Lowe
Board Member
Joan Mandel
Executive Director