Dear Editor:
As anyone who lives in or visits Hoboken knows, homelessness is a growing problem here and throughout the metropolitan region. As a Hoboken resident and local business operator, I have seen a growing number of less fortunate individuals who have arrived to this city, not because of its chic locale, but because of its distinction as a transportation center and its proximity to New York City.
There has been much discussion for many years on how to alleviate this situation, and now I am glad to see that Mayor David Roberts is taking action through Project Dignity, his program which provides jobs and the opportunity for housing vouchers for the city’s homeless.
This is a project that should be emulated by other communities and counties; it takes responsible homeless individuals, gives them a real job through a municipal position or responsible private employers, and allows them the opportunity to receive a housing voucher to obtain a permanent home.
This is a chance for a new life and provides dignity to all. I thank Mayor Roberts for initiating a program that all communities can emulate. I also thank the Hoboken Reporter, WWOR-TV, News 12 New Jersey and The Jersey Journal for reporting on this important story.
As a business operator and member of the Hoboken Hospitality Association, I would be more than happy to extend this to the private sector. This is an initiative whose time has come.
Mario Steriti
The Bar at 10th and Willow/Hoboken Hospitality Association