Nonprofit Organizations of Bergen County Help Homeless Shelter During Pandemic

By Naniyah McClain

Student Lifestyle Editor

The Christ Church Community Development Corporation has partnered with four Bergen County motels to help more than 120 families find permanent housing after the closing of The Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center on Apr. 15, 2020 after a staff member tested positive for COVID-19, according to msn.com.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency helped to cover the cost.

“When we closed the shelter, none of the residents had COVID. I’m proud of how safely we did it,” Julia Orlando, the director of The Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center said to msn.com.

Family Promise of Bergen County has been helping to prepare and serve over 1.2 million meals in the shelter’s kitchen with the help of local businesses, churches and rotary clubs, msn.com continues.

“We didn’t miss a day. It’s somewhat of a miracle. We were the only ones in this building every single day,” Family Promise staff member, Brett Norton said to msn.com.

A nurse is available to test those facing homelessness who are living in the motels. According to Gov. Phil Murphy, those without permanent housing will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by Mar. 15, 2021, msn.com also said.

COVID-19 Numbers

There was an increase of 3,669 positive COVID-19 cases in New Jersey, with 381 new cases in Bergen County.