“NEWARK, NJ — Islamic Relief USA will hold its annual “Day of Dignity” campaign for homeless and financially struggling people across the nation this week, including an event in Newark.
According to a news release from the nonprofit, the Day of Dignity campaign provides local residents with essential items such as meals, hygiene kits, health tests and school supplies. In addition to basic goods, attendees can also learn about local social service resources that can help them get back on the path to self-sufficiency.
In Newark, this year’s Day of Dignity will take place from 11 a.m. to 2p.m., on Saturday, Oct. 15, at a park located on the corner of Broad Street and Lincoln Park.
Although the coronavirus pandemic put the nation’s struggles with hunger into the spotlight, the problem existed long before the COVID-19 crisis – and still continues today, advocates with the Virginia-based organization said.
“ Islamic Relief USA has held the Day of Dignity event for several years,” said Sharif Aly, IRUSA’s chief executive officer of Islamic Relief USA.
“The events enable people who are in some of the most difficult and stressful circumstances to get access to necessary items and services,” Aly said. “Poverty and homelessness, unfortunately, remain major problems. The present coronavirus pandemic has only exacerbated those problems, leading to greater inequality and inequity.”
According to the latest “point in time count” from Monarch Housing Associates, there were 1,695 people experiencing homelessness in Newark on the evening of Jan. 25.”
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