NJ Must Support Those Needing Stable Housing
145,000 SSI Recipients Live on
Less than $800 a Month
A December 8, 2015, letter to The Star Ledger, “N.J. must support those in need of stable housing,” Susan Parker shares her experience of being homeless.
Parker is now an Anti-Poverty Network of New Jersey board member and a peer advocate for Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton.
“In 2003 I became homeless. I was struggling with addiction and a mental health diagnosis. Thanks to Catholic Charities, I found supportive housing. Once I had a home I could rebuild my life.”
Writes Parker.
But unfortunately, many disabled and low-income individuals in New Jersey are not as lucky as Parker in finding permanent, affordable housing.
“Many New Jerseyans, are falling through the cracks of a tattered safety net. Over 145,000 people with serious disabilities in N.J. receive Social Security’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which means they live on less than $800 monthly.”
Writes Parker.
Click here and scroll down for the letter.