Go Big or Go Home: My Letter to Governor Chris Christie

Dear Governor Christie:

Earlier this year, in your inaugural address, these words you spoke struck a chord in me.

"We have now learned that we have an even bigger role to play as individual citizens. We have to be willing to play outside the red and blue boxes the media and pundits put us in; we have to be willing to reach out to others who look or speak differently than us; we have to be willing to personally reach out a helping hand to a neighbor suffering from drug addiction, depression or the dignity stripping loss of a job. New Jersey came together as one community when it mattered most and now we must stay together — people of every background and belief — the government and our people — to help our fellow citizens reach their dreams."

When you spoke last week at Holiday City in Berkeley, there was a woman sitting in the back, holding a sign. It read:

HELPING THE HOMELESS
WE HAVE IT ALL PLANNED
WE ARE NOT HOPELESS
ALL WE NEED IS LAND
www.TentCityNJ.org

That woman was me. And this is the story behind that sign.

That day, you addressed the crowd and spoke of government bureaucracy – something we who advocate for New Jersey’s homeless know all too well. When I saw you greet my friend Nahdirah – who is not only a Tent City advocate, but also a former resident herself – I was overjoyed.  Because our battle to help the homeless in Ocean County has been a long and arduous one, and you offered us a glimmer of hope.

Since the mid-2000s, Tent City of Lakewood has served as a stopgap solution to address Ocean County’s growing homelessness - and, as stated by its founder, Minister Steven Brigham, “a living demonstration of a need for shelter and affordable housing.” Then, in 2012, Hurricane Sandy not only destroyed physical homes, but also ravaged the economy in Ocean County to the point that the working poor became the homeless poor. The surge in Tent City occupancy following the superstorm was unprecedented.

Some left homeless by Sandy were able to obtain motel rooms or small apartments at a cost of around $1500 a month. But not everyone was able to receive housing benefits, so many homeless people left living on the streets, in cars, or elsewhere – deprived of not only the basic necessities of human life, but any sense of dignity or community.

You’ve also no doubt heard about the ongoing battle between Tent City and the Township of Lakewood. The good news is that Lakewood has agreed to place a number of Tent City’s occupants in free housing for one year, during which time they will be formally dismantling the camp.

The bad news is, because Ocean County has no homeless shelter, where the folks in the temporary housing will end up after that year is over is anyone’s guess.

As the sign says, however, we are indeed far from hopeless. We DO have a plan.

Destiny’s Bridge is a privately-run, non-profit charity organization that aims to continue the work started in Tent City with many improvements. We envision it as a place where those have found themselves without a home for whatever reason, can heal, become strong and empowered. Unlike a traditional “homeless shelter”, that provides simply a cot and a roof over one’s head, Destiny’s Bridge provides an actual temporary home, sense of community and sense of purpose that nurtures dignity and self-worth. All we really need is the land on which to build it.

Governor Christie, we need your help. We are counting on you to help us ensure that if ever a tragedy like Sandy should strike again, every human being can still receive shelter, food, clothing, and human dignity. Please help us, as you instructed, to "help our fellow citizens reach their dreams."

With warmest regards,
Lisa Rose Ferrara