Homeless individuals and advocates are pleading with City Hall for

help, noting a lack of services for the city’s most vulnerable community

and calling for conversion of city property into homeless shelters.

In an encouraging sign of progress, Erik-Anders Nilsson shared the

story of a homeless man whose wheelchair was stolen in Journal Square.

“Alphonse” was eligible for services he did not actively pursue, Nilsson,

president of Jersey City Peace Movement (JCPM) said in a July 9 email

update. He thanked NJ Action 21 Movement volunteers for leads for a

donated motorized wheelchair found for the homeless man.

“We brought Alfonso to Social Services…he is in the process of being

accepted for almost all benefits-something he qualified for years ago--but no

one ever took him, or explained to him his options. Alfonso is getting the

resources he needs and on his way to a safe place to stay.”

Nilsson noted that some resources for homeless carry too many conditions,

such as identification and exit requirements.

“We need some kind of a shelter, maybe more than one,” Nilsson said at a

June City Council meeting.

Homeless, Rufus Cene, said crime is increasing in Journal Square. “We

need help very fast,” Cene said. “We have nowhere to go.”

JCPM members meet at the Journal Square fountain on the last Sunday of

every month, 12-2 p.m., to exchange ideas and distribute food and clothing

to those in need. But it’s not enough. Homeless need shelter, advocates said.

For many, help may come too late, advocates said. Lucy Figueroa said

that because her son wasn’t working, she lost her Section 8 housing. But her

son had a heart condition and died in May. Figueroa said she survived an

abusive relationship, but has health problems that render her unable to work,

making her and her daughter homeless.

Ward C (Journal Square) Councilwoman Nidia Lopez translated for

another homeless woman who only spoke Spanish, at the June meeting. But

Lopez noted that of approximately 20 people she met in Journal Square, only

seven sought assistance. “It’s important that you follow up,” Lopez said.

Homeless advocate Riaz Wahid said he called the places in the packets

Lopez handed out but no help was offered “unconditionally” or were re-

listings of the same source or no longer in existence. Lopez promised to

update a list of resources, Nilsson said.