Recent Updates

HOMELESS TO INDEPENDENCE INC.” – WORKING WITH:

THE HOMELESS, THE WORKING POOR, OUR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES AND ANYONE IN NEED
DUE TO NATURAL OR MAN-MADE DISASTERS IN ALL 50-STATES PLUS THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA! AND NOW PUERTO RICO!

Wednesday 19th June 2013! Welcome!
Welcome Everyone! This is a Family Friendly Site!

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PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU CALL US:

DISCLAIMER

Homeless To Independence Inc. is an All-Volunteer, Faith-Based, 501©3 non-profit organization. We do NOT receive any grant funding what-so-ever to pay bills for anyone in any situation. We do not give away money. We do not give out loans against any money.

This ministry is supported with generous financial donations that are used to help keep us functioning. Our purpose is to help supply individuals and families with personal needs such as food, toiletries, clothing, household items, furniture and baby/adult diapers/wipes both locally and to areas effected by disasters . At this time, we do not offer any shelter or transitional housing services. Again, we DO NOT pay any bills. We DO NOT pay any rents or mortgages.

If you are actually homeless, or about to be homeless or need emergency assistance of any kind, DIAL “211″ from a land-line telephone. This will not work from a cell telephone. Tell the receiver your situation and what you need. They will give you information specific for the location you are currently in plus any referrals you may need. They have the most up to the minute information for your specific area. Dialing “211” will get you help and much more info than this office can provide. Homeless to Independence wants you to have all the information you need to get through the situation you are in.

Don’t have a land-line telephone??? Go to your local police department, library, or house of worship and ask to use their land-line telephone. They may even make the call on your behalf.

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For those of you looking for employment through-out the United States, District of Columbia or Puerto Rico, simply send me an email to:

Ann@homelesstoindependence.org with:

1) the name of your State/Commonwealth, District of Columbia or Puerto Rico and
2) if you have a conviction on your record more serious then a traffic conviction within the past 7-years. We do NOT need to know what the conviction was, we do not want to waste your time with opportunities you will not be qualified to apply for at this time.

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Homeless To Independence Inc. is not responsible for misprints or cancellations of events by the event holders, landlord and/or their agent, or ourselves. Homeless to Independence Inc. also reserves the right to “NOT” offer services to people and/or persons that are rude, unpleasant, and untruthful in any way shape or form, belligerent and the like.

OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. HOMELESS TO INDEPENDENCE MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, BUT WE DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!

OFFICE INFORMATION IS AS FOLLOWS:

OFFICE NUMBER IS: 1-732-264-7500

Please note that our office does have very limited volunteer staff and if we are one telephone line we cannot answer the other line. There is simply not enough time in the day to answer and/or return each and every telephone call.

IF YOU ARE ASKING FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, NO ONE WILL CONTACT YOU BACK.

Thank you!

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PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO HOMELESS TO INDEPENDENCE INC.’S RESPONSE TO ALL OF THE SEVERE WEATHER AND FLOODING THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES, THERE IS SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH TIME TO POST ALL OF THE “FREEBIES”, “MEDLINE HEALTH UPDATES” OR “NJ AND PA HOUSING LISTS” –

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR UNDERSTANDING – ANN

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Just received this must share…..

in Weston, Florida Below is a summary of what he did for his Mitzvah Project. and the speech he made at his service. His name is Michael Egozi and he is 13 years old. And while we are still collecting as his goal is 1000 we have too many already in the garage. Thanks again.

“Do unto others as they would have done unto you”. I can recall one sunday morning, my family and I were driving to Miami beach to see my Abui (grandma). As we pulled up to a spot light, a barefooted homeless man approached our car. I watched as my father rolled the window down and gave the man the shoes off his own feet. We talked about this for the remainder of the ride. I remember thinking that if given the opportunity I would have done the same. And I was.

After shopping for a new pair of sneakers, on the way home I saw a homeless man asking for money. I rolled my window, handed him my sneakers, and he was very surprised. I will never know what he did with these sneakers, but helping out this stranger, made me feel happy.

For my gemillut chesed project/Mitzvah project, I started a project called If You’ve Never Walked in My Shoes. One day while driving to Miami Beach with my family, a few years ago, we pulled up to a stop light and a barefoot, homeless man approached our car. He was asking for money. My dad rolled the window down and gave the man his shoes right off his feet. I was amazed at this, and questioned why. My dad told us that he could have given the man money but that would not help him. He said the man would most likely buy a drink or cigarettes with the money and would still be without shoes. Years later, I decided to do the same. After buying a new pair of sneakers one day, on the way home, a homeless man who we always see approached our car. I gave him the bag with the older shoes in it. He looked surprised but smiled as we drove away. I felt amazing.

I have been collecting shoes for Homeless to Independence. I have blasted through social media about my project. I will continue to collect shoes until I reach my goal of 1000 pairs to donate. I am contacting stores to see if they will donate the out of stock or returned shoes as well.

Thank you to all who have donated shoes for this project. We are blessed and more fortunate than most. If you still have shoes to donate you can drop them off at our home or call to arrange for us to pick them up. I know that I am making a difference helping the homeless who are trying to help themselves.

Homeless To Independence Inc. is coordinating with Lisa his mother to have the shoes shipped here to Union Beach, NJ – We are paying for the shipping of the footwear – We are planning on distribution of the footwear to all areas effected by the fires, flooding, extreme storms that already occurred and those still yet to come.

If anyone would like to make a financial donation to help Homeless To Independence Inc. with the shipping cost, please mail you tax deductible financial donation to:

Homeless To Independence Inc.
929 Highway 36
Union Beach, NJ 07735

Please make your check payable to: “Homeless To Independence Inc.”

It costs approximately $25.00 per 35lbs with our Fedex Ground discount. Thank you!

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THANK YOU TRENTON THUNDER FOR NOT ALLOWING US TO DO THE 50/50 THIS YEAR, BECAUSE WE CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY TICKETS FOR BARK AT THE PARK, BECAUSE WE ARE DOING DISASTER RESPONSE NATIONWIDE INCLUDING STILL DOING SANDY RESPONSE THROUGHOUT THE JERSEY SHORE AND NY SHORE ALSO.

BELIEVE ME HELPING OTHERS IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN PUTTING MONEY IN YOUR POCKETS!

YOU SHOWED YOUR BUTTS FOR SURE!

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HAPPENING NOW!

HOMELESS TO INDEPENDENCE INC. IS SHIPPING NEEDED REQUESTED ITEMS TO OKLAHOMA FOR THE MOORE, OK SURVIVORS!

DROP-OFF LOCATIONS:

1. HOMELESS TO INDEPENDENCE INC.’S OFFICE LOCATION AT: 929 HIGHWAY 36, UNION BEACH, NJ 07735 PLEASE NOTE THAT THE GPS IS INCORRECT, MAPQUEST IS CORRECT FOR NAVIGATION.

2. Please drop off the following items to 119 Maple Ave. 3rd Floor (front left door), Red Bank NJ 07701 or leave the items on the porch. You can also arrange for a pick-up by calling 732-383-5865. (Please have items bagged or boxed)

3. A 2nd drop off location was just added thanks to Mike Grieco at Cat Limousines, 638 Rt 9 South Freehold (PNC Bank Complex) (732) 252 – 5849

4. ESSEX COUNTY, BELLEVILLE, NJ DONATIONS DROPOFF’S PLEASE CALL OR TEXT 1-973-699-2441 FOR INFORMATION

THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO COLLECT AND SEND:

TOOTHBRUSHES
TOOTHPASTE
BARS OF SOAP
COMBS/BRUSHES
SHAMPOO
DENTURE CLEANSERS AND ADHESIVES
NEW SOCKS FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN, MEN AND WOMEN

NO CLOTHING EXCEPT FOR THE NEW SOCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Clothing will NOT be accepted)

Gift Cards from Lowes, Home Depot, Visa, AMEX, etc. will also be collected for the Raine Foundation to distribute. Please make sure that it is not a regional (northeast) store and that it can be used in Oklahoma.

Please note that all gift cards collected by Homeless To Independence Inc. will be passed onto the Raine Foundation also for them to distribute.

Thank you,
THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO COLLECT AND SEND:

TOOTHBRUSHES
TOOTHPASTE
BARS OF SOAP
COMBS/BRUSHES
SHAMPOO
DENTURE CLEANSERS AND ADHESIVES
NEW SOCKS FOR INFANTS, CHILDREN, MEN AND WOMEN

NO CLOTHING EXCEPT FOR THE NEW SOCKS

OTHER AGENCIES WILL BE TAKING CARE OF OTHER NEEDS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY. JUST THE ABOVE ITEMS PLEASE.

Homeless To Independence Inc. will be collecting school supplies for the school children of several Oklahoma cities, including Moore, Oklahoma.

Anyone business, group or organization is more than welcome to collect school supplies for us to ship to our connections in Oklahoma. All school supplies that are donated and sent will be freely passed onto the children.

It is important to remember that when disasters of any caliper occur, many people are forced out of work and onto disaster unemployment – 80% of their normal income. More info to come….

THE VERY BEST WAY TO CONTACT ME: ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG

UPDATED 05-28-13

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We have just received this:

Good afternoon all-

Governor Christie wanted to express his appreciation for all that you and the members of your organization do in our communities. I have attached a note from him recognizing your efforts. Please feel free to pass it along to your membership and anyone who deserves recognition as a volunteer.

Thank you and best wishes for continued success.

Thank You Note from Governor Christie

May 7th 2013

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Throughout New Jersey, there are several groups, organizations and ministries gearing up to help children age’s toddler through early teen’s to read better, through the upcoming summer months.

Their programs are different by having the children read, instead of reading to them, thereby strengthening their reading skills. This in turn will help them to learn more efficiently when they return back in school in September. In addition, the children will be in a loving environment and kept off the streets and out of trouble.

Homeless To Independence Inc. wants to help encourage children to read, dream and accomplish their life’s wishes, desire and goals and here is how you can help!

Though the month of May 2013 and first two-weeks in June:

1. Donate your unused children’s books for age’s toddler through teen’s,
2. Host a “Children’s Book Drop Box” at your business location or,
3. Host a “Children’s Book Collection” through your community organization

No amount is too big or too small – all of the books collected will be freely passed onto the children – we what them to succeed!!

All pick-ups of donated books and at collection points will be on weekends.

Homeless To Independence Inc. will be more than happy to provide a T-24 tax receipt for you tax records for your generous donations.

Reach out to me today! Please leave a message and I promise to call you back as promptly as possible @ 1-732-264-7500.

Thank you everyone! It is not what I do; it is what we all do together!

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I have numerous families effected by Sandy that are getting ready to move back to their rehabbed homes that are in need of small kitchen appliances (toasters, coffee makers, crock pots, etc.), pots, pans, dishes, utensils, cups, glasses….all that good stuff! Plus clothing!

Please email me at: ann@homelesstoindependence.org, if you have any of these items to donate to these families.

Pickup Schedule:

Central New Jersey will be the following Saturday, May 18th

Posted 06-06-13

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Ability-to-Repay Rule Ensures You Can Afford Your Mortgage Payments

When you apply for a mortgage, it can sometimes be hard to understand how much of a monthly payment you can afford. Oftentimes you have to factor in additional fees and property taxes that add to the base cost of your monthly payment.

You can’t always rely on a mortgage broker or lender to ensure that you’re getting a responsbile loan that you can afford.

That’s why the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) introduced the Ability-to-Repay rule.

Under the new rule, lenders have to ensure that you can pay back the loan plus interest over the long term.

According to CFPB, in order to do that, lenders will need to verify the following before they can issue you a loan:

Current income or assets;
Current employment status;
Credit history;
The monthly payment for the mortgage;
The monthly payments on any other loans associated with the property;
The monthly payment for other mortgage related obligations (such as property taxes);
Other debt obligations; and
The monthly debt-to-income ratio or residual income the borrower would be taking on with the mortgage. (Debt-to-income ratio is a consumer’s total monthly debt divided by their total monthly gross income).

These rules will help protect you from lenders who might try to sell you an irresponsible mortgage that you can’t afford.

Learn more about the Ability-to-Repay rule.

GO TO: http://blog.usa.gov/post/42852922731/ability-to-repay-rule-ensures-you-can-afford-your

Posted 02-16-13

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DIY Tips and Assistance Programs to Help You Save on Home Heating

DIY Tips and Assistance Programs to Help You Save on Home Heating

Posted 01-15-13

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Disability.gov Update: Disaster Distress Resources & Helpline – 1-800-985-5990
Disability.gov sent this bulletin at 11/08/2012 05:41 PM EST
Disaster Distress Resources & Helpline – 1-800-985-5990

Tips for coping and other resources for people who may be feeling overwhelmed following natural disasters or other events. If you’re feeling stressed, anxious or depressed, call 1-800-985-5990 (1-800-846-8517 (TTY) for people who are deaf or hard of hearing) to speak with a crisis counselor 24/7, or text TalkWithUs to 66746. Download the wallet card, “Having Trouble Coping After a Disaster? Talk with Us.”

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Homeless To Independence Inc. is pleased to announce that we now accept:

Visa
MasterCard
American Express
Discover and
Diners Club

for donation purposes.

We have signed up with Sam’s Club First Data and have an extremely secure encrypted First Data machine for purposes specifically for our fundraising needs.

Since we are a 501(c)3 Non-Profit, First Data has given us an EXTREMELY low interest rate to put more of our donations to good use. If your non-profit is interested in attaining a similar system and rates, inbox me for the info.

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HHS & Education Department Launch New ‘Stop Bullying’ Website

The U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Education have launched a redesigned Stop Bullying website to encourage children, parents, teachers and communities to take action to stop and prevent bullying. The website has a map with information on state laws and policies and videos for young people, along with practical strategies for schools and communities to make sure that environments are safe. It also includes suggestions on how parents can discuss bullying with their children and information on the dangers of cyberbullying and ways to prevent it.

For more news and events visit https://www.disability.gov/news/list.

Posted 04-02-12

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The Lifeline and Link Up programs help low-income households get telephone service.

Lifeline provides discounts on one basic monthly phone service (landline or wireless). The discount can be up to $10.00 per month, depending on the state.

Link Up provides a one-time discount (up to a maximum of $30) off of the initial installation fee for a landline or the activation fee for wireless phone service.

For more information on these program, including eligibility requirements, visit the Universal Service Administrative Company or call 1-888-641-8722. You can also contact your local phone service provider or call the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-CALL-FCC.

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LOOKING FOR A JOB FAIR OR RECRUITMENT?
CHECK OUT YOUR STATE’S EMPLOYMENT PAGE!

FRESH DAILY LIST OF EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES JUST ABOUT EVERY DAY………………

FOR EACH STATE PLUS THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA…………….

KNOW OF A JOB FAIR OR RECRUITMENT THAT I DON’T HAVE??
SEND ME THE INFORMATION SO OTHERS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY ALSO!

THANK YOU!

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Did you get drug tested today?

Thank you Florida, Kentucky, and Missouri, which are the first states that will require drug testing when applying for welfare.

Posted 01-03-12

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HOMELESS TO INDEPENDENCE INC.’S NATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE PROJECT “CONTACT”

HOMELESS TO INDEPENDENCE INC. SENDS NEEDED SUPPLIES TO STORM AND FLOOD RAVAGED AREAS WHEN YOU NEED HELP!!!

WE ARE AN ALL-VOLUNTEER, FAITH-BASED, NON-PROFIT THAT RUNS ON PRIVATE DONATIONS FROM PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF, WE DO NOT GET GOVERNMENT GRANTS AT THIS TIME -

HOMELESS TO INDEPENDENCE INC.
929 STATE HIGHWAY 36
UNION BEACH, NJ 07735

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ARE YOU LOOKING TO SPRUCE UP YOUR WEBSITE?? TIRED OF AN OLD AND DULL LOOK??
CONTACT: Sidhant Mehra of Elysium Web Design RIGHT AWAY!! 646-397-1172
www.elysiumwebdesign.com
JUST TAKE A LOOK AT OUR NEW SITE http://www.homelesstoindependence.org

It is CLEAN, CRISP AND EXTREMELY EASY TO NAVIGATE!!
Sidhant’s service is prompt, efficient and professional – Don’t delay, Call Sidhant today!
“Mention Homeless To Independence Inc. and receive a 20% discount on your website”.
1-646-397-1172 Nation-wide and Canada

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HOMELESS TO INDEPENDENCE INC. SUPPORTS OUR TROOPS!!!!

THANK YOU FOR OUR FREEDOM!!!!

For any stress related issues including work, personal, relationship, financial and family

Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Anonymous counseling provided by trained professionals

Exclusively for Marines, their families and loved ones

A service provided by the Marine Corps

NOTICE: THE DSTRESS LINE IS A PILOT PROJECT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO CURRENT AND VETERAN MARINES, ATTACHED SAILORS, AND FAMILIES WHO ARE LOCATED IN THE
FOLLOWING AREAS:

OR, WA, CA, NV, AZ, ID, MT, NM, UT, CO, IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, WY, HI, AK AND WEST TEXAS (FORT BLISS, EL PASO AREA).

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LOOKING FOR A FUN AND INTERESTING VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE???

TAKE A PEEK AT OUR VOLUNTEER PAGE……………

SOME NATIONWIDE…..THANK YOU!

HOMELESS TO INDEPENDENCE INC. IS GROWING! COME GROW WITH US!

FREE SAM’S CLUB MEMBERSHIP, PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT CARD AND MORE FOR VOLUNTEERS WITH 20-MORE HOURS A MONTH EFFECTIVE MAY 2011!

AND AS ALWAYS, WE ARE DEDICATED TO ALL 21-COUNTIES WITH-IN THE GREAT STATE OF NEW JERSEY, THE UNITED STATE OF AMERICA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA -
THANK YOU!

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Your decision to be an organ and tissue donor can make a difference in as many as 50 lives throughout New Jersey and across the nation. Right now, tens of thousands of people are awaiting life-saving organ transplants, while thousands more are in need of tissue and corneal transplants.
The shortage of donors is so severe that every day 18 people die waiting for organs that could have saved their lives. You can give the gift of hope simply by registering online.

Please become an organ and tissue donor today! For more information please go to: www.organdonor.gov

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LOOKING FOR SCHOLARSHIP, GRANTS AND STUDENT LOANS??

GO TO OUR SCHOLARSHIPS PAGE

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Throughout the states, we need to know of affordable rentals of housing and apartments – please send your openings to me….We need to know what state & city, how many BR/BA, price, what is included and what is not included and if pets are permitted….

ann@homelesstoindependence.org

We also need to know of employment opportunities, preferably FT with benefits – Permanent positions…..please send your openings to me @ ann@homelesstoindependence.org. We need to know the city and state and the particulars of the position(s).

Thank you!

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Anyone in need of a copy of our 501(c)3, please send me an address and I will send you a copy for your records – thank you

ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG

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Remember to have all your family papers together, including your pet’s shot records and license info…and keep all this info including family pictures, in a double zip lock bag for safety.

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IF YOUR TRANSITIONAL OR HALF-WAY HOME HAS OPENINGS – PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

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“TO LOVE ANOTHER PERSON IS TO HAVE COMPASSION FOR THEIR CURRENT SITUATION AND TO HELP THEM REGARDLESS”

Ann Martin-Frey

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If you need specific help, email me and I will respond relatively quickly!

Thank you! And have a peace-filled day!

Ann

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU

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WE LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING OTHERS!!