Monmouth County St. Vincent Basic Needs Program.
Local churches, in particular Nativity Parish, created a so called Basic Needs Committee that can assist low income families around Monmouth County New Jersey and the immediate Nativity Parish region. Some of the more basic, and critical, needs can be met include emergency utility and rental assistance, food, money for security deposits, and prescription medications. While aid is limited, and only a few people may receive help per week, the fact is that the Basic Needs Committee may be able to assist in your time of need. They also work closely with other local charities including St. Anselm in Tinton Falls, St. Vincent DePaul Societies, Project Paul, the parishes of St. Mary in Colts Neck, St. Leo in Lincroft, and St. Anthony in Red Bank as well as Catholic Charities of New Jersey.
Holiday Food Baskets are provided to families around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most of the items are distributed from donations and contributions from the community. The food boxes and bags may contain items like canned vegetables and gravy, boxed stuffing and potatoes, fruit juices, boxed dessert items, coffee/tea, cranberry sauce and canned fruit. Food items are also distributed from nearby churches and parishes, including Christ the King, St. Dorothea’s and also St. Anthony’s. It is important for people to be able to celebrate the holiday period, especially families with children.
In addition to food and holiday meals, the Basic Needs Committee collects gifts for the elderly and senior citizens who reside in local nursing homes. These senior appropriate gifts should be labeled as male or female and wrapped. They should be left under the tree any Sunday of the holiday period. The donated items will be delivered as needed.
The Family Promise Program is also run from Nativity Parish, and is administered by the Basic Needs Committee. Among other services, it can provide temporary housing for low income families in transition and those who are faced with a hardship. In total, eleven area churches around Monmouth County participate and provide services on a rotating schedule. Each church will offer up to one week of lodging, food, and meals for the guests of Family Promise. This housing program is also financed by the treasury of the Basic Needs Committee as well as private donations. Social workers from nearby government agencies can also help people find long term, permanent housing.
The program is always in need of new volunteers and/or donations. Call the church and committee if you can volunteer or afford to donate a few dollars to the service. (732) 741-7868
The very basic needs of food, clothing, rent, and shelter are met as well. Funds and donations are always needed, so different programs and fund raisers take place. For example, during this Season of Advent, the Basic Needs Committee in the past has collected funds and also sells Sand Dollar Christmas Ornaments for the Nativity Christmas Tree. Money is raised for the low income, or victims of natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes or floods.
Meals for Those in Need can be reached at (732) 741-7868. Several times per year the Basic Needs Committee works with local churches and volunteers from Srt. Vincent and other charities. They purchase supplies and food items, and distribute the meals either at HABCore or The Center in Asbury Park for the benefit of their homebound clients. Hundreds of individuals receive free food and meals from the charity organization every year.
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