The weather outside may be frightful, and for the homeless, there’s little that’s delightful during this time of year.
There’s a way for you to help: Attend a choir concert this Wednesday, Dec. 18; at Saint Aedan’s: The Saint Peter’s University Church in Jersey City starting at 7 p.m. Donations of a new blanket or $20 are requested as admission price.
The United Way of Hudson County (UWHC), Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corporation (GSECDC), and Saint Peter’s University have organized this inaugural concert, which benefits the Longest Night Campaign. Several choirs will participate.
“December 21 is the longest night of the year and the beginning of the coldest season,” Dan Altilio, president of UWHC, said. “This concert will bring the community together to do something to help people on the street and focus attention on the serious issue of homelessness.”
The concert will take place at Saint Aedan’s, 800 Bergen Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306. The Newark Boys Choir, Henry Rawls, and other local choirs will sing.
The Longest Night Campaign, Ending Homelessness One Life at a Time is about raising awareness on the plight of Homelessness in Hudson County. “We are seeing an increase in the number of working homeless families and individuals because of the lack of affordable housing available combined with earning very low wages,” Carol Mori, executive director of GSECDC, said. “Our hope is that this Campaign will gain the attention of the state and local government administrations so homelessness becomes a top priority and they will strengthen their support and resources available to address this crisis.”
“December 21 is the longest night of the year and the beginning of the coldest season.” — Dan Altilio
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The United Way of Hudson County improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community to advance the common good. Established in 1936, United Way of Hudson County envisions a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability and healthy lives. Our staff, partners and volunteers are committed to ending the cycle of poverty by addressing homelessness, housing and hunger, and by giving our children the skills they need to succeed in life.
Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corporation has been serving those most vulnerable in society since 1986. With the goal of “Building Strong Communities,” its approach is structured to meet the multi-faceted and ever-changing needs of specific neighborhoods and populations.