by Gerry Siglow
Something that has been on my mind but haven’t mentioned it to a few outside of the volunteers at King’s Things, The INVISABLES. I call this group INVISABLES because very few people see them. They walk our sidewalks, drive on our roads, park in shopping center lots. Yet remain INVISABLE.
What are they? They’re HOMELESS. Who are they? Men, Women, Families with Children. Some living in the Ruff, tents, tarps, camping out, some living in their cars, some living with friends or wherever they can crash.
How many? Best guess 14 and as many 20 people here. I was asked how this can be in an area of wealth and prosperity. An injury, loss of job, illness, disabilities, inflation, usually a combination of several factors.
A renter can lose federally subsidized housing if a utility is terminated. Applicants applying for help with Atlantic City Electric, South Jersey Gas and Water bills are eligible for evection. Most agencies have allocated all of their funds with no funds until 2025.
Through our sales in the Thrift and Furniture stores, we are able families from becoming homeless. Recently Cumberland Mutual, the oldest Mutual Property and Casualty insurer domiciled in New Jersey, applied for the 2024 Small Business Recovery Grant with Federal Home Loan Bank of New York to support small business and nonprofit organizations. Cumberland Mutual donated $10,000.
To King’s Things to support community programs in the Greater Swedesboro, NJ Area. It should be noted King’s Things has paid out close to $500,000.
