Meet our Mission: Samaritan Homeless Interim Program (SHIP)

The Samaritan Homeless Interim Program (SHIP) is one of 13 organizations that has received a $1,000 donation from BBPC, via the Mission and Outreach Commission, for the past several years. For many members of the congregation, your first question may be “Who is SHIP and what do they do”? 

SHIP is a faith based, interfaith and community funded, assisted and supported, grassroots organization.  

SHIP began operations on March 5, 1984 in response to the unheeded cry of the many women, children and men who are in desperate need of emergency housing and associated services. Many are the working poor. They include those that suffer from homelessness or being near homeless. Many are hungry or suffer from substance abuse dependency, HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, or neglect and isolation. 

No other group or agency is currently addressing the emergency subsistence and survival needs of these identified high risk populations. The broad array of comprehensive services provided at our Safe Harbor and Port of Refuge is geared to this difficult and often un-reached group of people in need. They are members of the human race and nonetheless in need of a Safe Harbor & Port of Refuge that often helps save their lives.

All guests are treated with Dignity, Acceptance, Kindness and Concern. What’s God’s love got to do with it? EVERYTHING! SHIP outreaches and attempts to locate and maintain contact with persons who are deemed not in compliance with their social service, substance abuse treatment program and/or mental health services providers. SHIP provides this unique population with critically needed emergency interim services. Services are tailored to each individual's need and vary in duration according to each individual or family's situation. These services may include advocacy, emergency interim housing, interim counseling, and support services, that greatly enhance their chances of regaining their self-sufficiency again. SHIP is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the poor. Clients are eligible to apply for all of SHIP's Programs and Services and there are no charges for any services.

Update: We need egg cartons! Please share any you have.

The donated food supply from local supermarkets varies weekly while the number of families attending is increasing. 

A major monthly expense of the food pantry is purchasing plastic bags for packaging personal care items such as shampoo, laundry detergent, toothpaste & toilet paper. If anyone knows of, or has a connection with a company producing or distributing these items, please contact D'Maris. We are hoping for ongoing donations or reduced pricing on these items.

Questions? Please call the church office at (732) 356-3575 

or reach out to: D’Maris Dempsey or Diane Gilson.

Food insecurity is an ongoing issue for many, and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are two vehicles through which the Federal government helps provide food to people in need. Both programs are potential targets as the new budget takes shape. Please consider contacting your congresspeople to show your support for these essential programs.

SHOPRITE GIFT CARD PROGRAM

WE NEED YOUR HELP! 

 The ShopRite card fund is dangerously low

and in need of donations.

Please consider supporting this program by donating ShopRite gift cards or making a monetary donation earmarked for ShopRite gift cards (please specify this in the memo line).

Your donations will enable us to purchase the cards at a 5% discount. If you'd like to donate electronically, you can select the "Love Local" option on EZ Tithe.

Thank you for your support!