The NJ Coalition to End Homelessness, Riverview Studios, and their partners recently launched the “It Just Makes Sense” campaign to urge the NJ Legislature and Governor Murphy to adopt a $10 million budget resolution dedicated to paying and retaining frontline homeless shelter staff, the workers who are the backbone of every shelter operation.
The campaign is made up of a series of videos from prominent state, county, business, social service, and religious leaders, including NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka, Senator Andrew Zwicker, Mercer County Executive Dan Benson, John Donnadio of the NJ Association of Counties, former Assembly Majority Executive Director Anthony Cimino, the Rev. Rupert Hall, and others who recognize the need to address the 45% increase in homelessness in New Jersey over the past two years.
“When jobs are created, we need a workforce to fill them — a physically and mentally healthy workforce who could show up every day and bring their best to their work environment,” Siekerka said. “That’s not possible if our workforce lacks stability in their lives.
“What does make sense? Ensuring that New Jersey’s frontline support for our most vulnerable — our shelters and our shelter workers — can provide the services needed.”
The requested budget resolutions were submitted by Senators Joe Vitale and Britnee Timberlake (Senate Resolution 1100) and Assemblywomen Yvonne Lopez (Assembly Resolution 728) and Shavonda Sumter (Assembly Resolution 97), with the backing of the NJ Legislative Black Caucus.
“New Jersey needs to take action. Our homeless shelters are frontline defenses that people need when they have no place to go, but there’s not a dedicated line item in the budget to protect our homeless shelters,” James Parker, executive director of Riverview Studios, said.
To contact your legislators and Governor Murphy urging them to adopt the resolutions, visit the Action Network’s website.
