The year was 1988. A group of us, representing a variety of religious congregations came together to discuss homelessness among families in Monmouth County – an issue most of us weren’t even aware existed. We appealed to our respective congregations, pooled our resources, and developed an organization ready to assist a few needy families. Hence, the birth of Interfaith Neighbors! We began to gain momentum and shortly thereafter over 90 congregations added their support. As the need for assistance became more evident, we concentrated our efforts on helping working poor families by providing rent subsidies to help make apartments more affordable. We began to attract private donors, government grants, charitable gift trusts and foundations. Our program has grown and now over 200 families annually receive assistance and guidance to help them through their immediate crisis. We work with each family with the goal of helping them achieve economic independence. In addition, we operate an “adopt-a-family” program each holiday season, collecting and providing donations of food, toys and gifts to over 200 of our clients each year.

In 1991, we began to operate the Senior Meals program for Monmouth County. This program requires the preparation of approximately 1,600 meals per day (approximately 400,000 annually) in our central kitchen. We serve a mid-day meal to seniors in congregate settings at nine senior citizens sites and deliver meals to elderly shut-ins through our Meals–on-Wheels program. For those with greater needs, we include a cold breakfast. We serve approximately 4,000 seniors each year. We have over 700 volunteers who record approximately 80,000 hours each year in volunteer service.

In 1996, we partnered with the New Jersey Natural Gas Company (NJNG), the New Jersey Youth Corp and the City of Asbury Park to renovate abandoned houses and sell them to first time home buyers. Starting with a $25,000 donation from the New Jersey Natural Gas Company, Interfaith Neighbors to date has renovated and/or constructed eighteen detached, affordable homes in Asbury Park and Neptune. We are joint venturing with another non-profit and will be constructing fifteen affordable units in Neptune. Interfaith Neighbors has plan approval under the Neighborhood Revitalization Tax Credit program by the State of New Jersey. The plan is to revitalize the west side of Asbury Park and seek corporate investors to help fund this project. The corporations receive a 100% tax credit against state tax obligation which is an incredible inducement to help us succeed in an area that has suffered fifty years of neglect.

In 2006, we were approached by the NJ Youth Corp officials to have the local chapter moved from the Asbury Park Board of Education to Interfaith Neighbors. The Youth Corps is a year-round, voluntary program that engages young adults who have been unable to obtain their high school diploma in community service projects, employability skills training and educational activities. Presently, there are twelve Youth Corps centers serving the Sate of New Jersey. As the sponsoring agency, Interfaith Neighbors has expanded the program and hopes to attract young adults from all areas of Monmouth County to participate in the program. Interfaith Neighbors’ commitment to providing high quality services with the care and understanding of a neighbor is extended to this division of the agency.