Homeless and hungry

Men top the list in the Sussex County crisis, By Jennifer Jean Miller Newton - The doors open to the Manna House, and approximately 60 people file in for lunch, chatting among themselves. Most of them are men who pack long cafeteria tables to warm up and have their once-a-day meal; today it’s spaghetti. Many of these people, especially the men, are stigmatized because of their current situation. Yet their appearances and actions are no different than the general populace. These generalized stereotypes which plague homeless men may prevent them from receiving help. Single men, particularly those in the 17- to 25-year-old age group, are further deprived as help and programs are normally geared towards families and single women. Single men may qualify for general types of aid through Social Services. Otherwise, their resources are limited. Doors shut for more complex requests such as those for shelter, literally leaving these men shivering out in the cold. An annual “Point in Time” survey has been performed in Sussex County since 2004, with the most recent taking place on Jan. 27, 2010. Cushions and blankets were found as evidence of people sleeping outside, and many of these items were later matched to a number of the county’s homeless men. The concern about these men falling through the cracks caused a group of local individuals, including some from various social service agencies to form a group to tackle this growing dilemma. Still in its infancy, the group is evaluating short and long-term solutions to assist these men. One of their goals is to ensure no one freezes to death, and they cited as an example the death of a homeless man in Sparta several years ago whose body was found behind the Sparta Athletic Club. Individual municipalities may occasionally and informally protect homeless men from facing the elements by locating shelter for one night, but no consistent program currently exists. “There are men sleeping in cars,” said Christine Florio of the Sussex County Division of Community and Youth Services. “These are young men with goals. A few of them have told me they’d like to go to college, but have this dream on hold because they have no place to live, no connection to family, and are trying to get back on their feet.”

When people think of homeless men, they tend to have a vision of skid row. “What we’re seeing is different ...young men who are well-maintained.” Carrie Radice, Executive Director of the Sussex County Interfaith Hospitality Network