St. Francis Medical Center outreach effort occurs in nearly every point in time
The Healing Hands of St. Francis Medical Center extended another outreach effort as the collection of clothing, blankets, shoes and toiletries were distributed to area residents.
In a chapel still decorated with Christmas lights and greens, Father Carmen Carlone, his assistant Deborah McConnaughey, President Dan Moen, St. Francis Medical Center Foundation Director Stephanie Dorman and Foundation Associate Jennifer Voutsinas participated in the giveaway of items that many people take for granted.
A bar of soap. A blanket. Toothbrush. Socks. Most of us have multiple counts of these items as well as family members and friends who would help us out or take us in should life fire a curveball, some unexpected challenge.
Hyacinth AIDS Foundation, Henry J. Austin & New Horizons and Trenton City Hall Youth Connect benefited from the deluge of items that packed several pews.
“This event continues a St. Francis Medical Center mission to the community. We’ve done this for almost ten years and it’s our way to impact the Trenton area homeless and others. And, we have a little prayer for all the homeless and needy,” Father Carlone explained.
“We collect many items from people employed here at the Medical Center. We invite anyone who has a need, such as these agencies, to come and take items that can improve their lives. Last year we gave away 10,000 items to the AIDS hospice. If we’re not impacting the community then we are not fulfilling the mission of St. Francis.”
In 2017, the Trenton/Mercer Continuum of Care Partners in conjunction with Monarch Housing Associates participated in the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count — which focused on at-risk homeless youth. The attempt proved problematic as many youth find transient residency in homes, on couches and other places.
The Point in Time count identifies individuals and families who are homeless or at rick of becoming homeless. The annual count occurs during the last 10 days of January, a mandate of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The PIT count will take place this year on January 23rd from 10:30 PM until 4:00 AM the next morning.
McConnaughey prayed the St. Francis Medical Center bags found their way to a needy youth.
“In the bags there’s a blanket, tooth brush, comb, tissues, socks, tooth paste, gloves, soap, underwear and other items. Plus, we hope that some of these coats and sweaters end up with them,” McConnaughey said.