THE ELIZABETH COALITION TO HOUSE THE HOMELESS
The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless (ECTHTH) was established in 1981 to meet the mounting needs of homeless families and individuals. It was one of the first agencies to work with homeless people in the State of New Jersey and has created cutting-edge programs that have subsequently been adopted by a number of agencies throughout the State.
There has been an exponential increase in the number of homeless adults and children in the past thirty-two years. This is a direct result of a lack of truly affordable housing and jobs that do not pay a living wage. We struggle on a daily basis not only to assist the individual but also to alter the circumstances of all homeless people. We work to preserve the human dignity of our homeless population. This work has never been simply for, but rather with, the marginalized members of our community. We provide all of our services at our location at 118 Division Street, Elizabeth, NJ: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Over the years, the Coalition has evolved three core programs:
1. The ECTHTH serves approximately 1,500 people annually through Project Gatekeeper, our advocacy services. Advocacy involves emergency case management in which clients receive an assessment of what services are available to them and how to acquire that assistance. If a client is denied a service, the advocate will help the individual through the process to appeal the denial. Clients are taught the COPE method of problem solving so that they learn to be independent and to self-advocate. In the housing search component of our advocacy services, our advocates help to match available housing with clients looking for housing. Part of this service is tenant training classes that include how to conduct an apartment search, how to negotiate with a landlord, how to read a lease, how to inspect a property, budgeting, minor home repairs and tenant rights and responsibilities. The Coalition has developed relationships with local landlords. Other components of our advocacy services include emergency shelter and rental assistance. In 2012 the Coalition provided rental assistance to nearly 200 households. Additionally, community education classes are provided to educate clients on such issues as the Work First New Jersey Regulations, Emergency Assistance, food stamps, immigration, etc. Many residents of the community are not aware of the laws governing such programs. In the winter of 2003-2004 the Coalition was able to develop a group of concerned churches and organizations to address the needs of the street homeless particularly in harsh weather. This group was able to create a program called Operation Warm Heart. Each night one of 13 churches provides hospitality, a warm meal and a place to sleep to 14 guests. In nine years of operation we served approximately 650 individuals and were able to effect lasting changes in many lives.
2. The Coalition’s Homeless Children’s Program, called Bernice’s Place, is a model program that provides after-school tutoring, educational enrichment, group support, and recreational services. Volunteers who are extensively trained do all of the tutoring one-to-one. Children in the program go to plays, concerts, and museums, as well as participate in sports and art projects. During the summer, the program becomes a summer recreation program for the same population of children. The program gives children living in an unstable situation a safe, consistent, and nurturing place to learn and grow. Approximately 100 children participate in Bernice’s Place annually.
3. The Coalition’s Hospitality House Program was created in 1987 and was the first of its kind in Union County. The program, designed to help working homeless families, provides transitional housing for up to seven families at any given time in three houses located in Elizabeth. While living rent-free in the houses, the clients are able to save money to enable them to afford permanent housing and become self-sufficient. In 26 years, 173 families have graduated from the program; one family that we know of went on to home ownership.
