On a larger scale, your area might have a community-run program or may wish to start one. You can usually find some sort of program to help the needy through a church or a church organization in your town. In Elizabeth, New Jersey an organization by the name of 'The Elizabeth Coalition to House the Homeless" was formed in 1981 due in large part to federal government cutbacks which left people without affordable housing. The coalition is comprised of churches, volunteer groups, and various social services agencies. In 1996, about 3,000 people threatened by homelessness came to the agency for services, 90% were from Elizabeth.
The Elizabeth Coalition, like many other groups that help the needy, run programs designated specifically for children, as children make up the biggest number of those who are homeless. There are various programs offered by the coalition. These programs include tutoring (so that the children do not fall too far behind in school) and summer day-camps. They also raise funds so that homeless children have the opportunity to spend a week in the country at a sleep-away camp.
Another major program run by the coalition is to purchase multi-family dwellings. Homeless families are set up in these dwellings, employment is found, and the family is provided with the necessary tools to eventually leave the ranks of the homeless.
To raise money for the activities the host, some groups have had phone-a-thons, dinner dances, sold candy or other items, and sponsored basketball tournaments.
The Elizabeth Coalition has held a basketball tournament featuring 6 of the best schools in the East for the past 3 years at the local High School. This event has brought peopel in not from only the city itself, but from all over the New York metropolitan area. While watching some great basketball games, spectators are also helping those less fortunate than themselves. Various events, such as the one mentioned here, allow people who would normally not help a specific cause to become involved because they indirectly help their fellow man.
