New Jersey Coat Drive Keeps the Homeless Warm
Photo courtesy of Rev. Emiljun Rapada
Unificationists in New Jersey have been helping the homeless keep warm this winter. Community members from Clifton Family Church and Elizabeth Family Church donated hundreds of winter clothing items to a local shelter on January 18.
“Both churches partnered with the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) chapter in Elizabeth to initiate a special coat drive on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to help homeless people in the city,” said Rev. Emiljun Rapada, pastor of Elizabeth Family Church. “We wanted to celebrate and support the life and legacy of Dr. King by giving back to people in need.”
Founded in 1992 by Mother of Peace Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, WFWP USA has more than 35 state and city chapters promoting leadership of the heart; marriage and family; and peacebuilding, while spearheading countless peace and public service initiatives worldwide.
Coat drive organizers spent two weeks collecting numerous winter clothing items to donate to The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless in Elizabeth. More than a hundred pairs of gloves, hats, scarves, socks, and dozens of new and used winter coats for adults and children were donated.
“Once we arrived, we learned that the shelter also needed food,” said Rev. Rapada. “So we held a fundraiser on Facebook for three days and people responded with great generosity and enthusiasm.”
Organizers quickly exceeded the $200 goal, raising $260 to buy groceries and additional winter accessories.
“The donations will help so many families,” said Sheila Casey, administrator of The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless. “We have 36 school-age children who are in some of our programs and this will make a big difference for their families.”
Since 1981, the shelter has served the immediate needs of the homeless and near homeless throughout Union County, New Jersey. The shelter provides the tools for people to transition to safe, affordable, and permanent housing. It also offers volunteer opportunities like tutoring and cooking.
“We wanted to support the shelter with this service project so that they can help people live healthy, self-sufficient lives,” said Rev. Rapada. “In turn, we were able to share about our faith organizations as well.”
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