Newark Nonprofit Bridges Outreach Expands Services During Extreme Cold

Extreme Cold Response

• ❄️ Bridges Outreach, a Newark-based nonprofit, is expanding its operations to assist individuals experiencing homelessness during extreme cold weather.
• 🤝 The organization conducted a ride-along with CBS News New York's Lisa Rozner, showcasing their efforts to connect people with shelter.

Outreach Operations and Challenges

• 🚌 Outreach workers were observed picking up a woman in need of shelter from New York City Hall and transporting her to a facility where an elected official secured a bed.
• ⚠️ Navigating the complex social service ecosystem presents a significant burden for individuals in crisis.
• 🍲 At Newark's Penn Station, the team distributed food to a crowd of people before boarding their bus to a warming center.
• 🥶 The dangerous conditions were highlighted by an outreach team member encountering someone with frostbite.

Impact and Lifeline

• 📍 The presence of Bridges Outreach's distinctive yellow bus is a recognized signal of help across Newark.
• 🛡️ One individual expressed, "I don't want to die out here," marking their first time seeking shelter for an extended period.
• 💯 Bridges Outreach reported filling all 100 extra shelter beds they made available.
• 🏥 Calls have been received from hospitals regarding individuals seeking warmth.
• 👟 The team has assisted approximately 150 people since Sunday, noting that some lacked essential items like coats and sneakers.
• 🌟 Jamil Pgram described Bridges Outreach as a lifeline, emphasizing the help provided to those seeking warmth at the warming center.

Extended Services and Life-Saving Efforts

• ⏰ Bridges Outreach is extending facility hours to provide more opportunities for people to get warm.
• ❤️ The president of Bridges Outreach believes their work is saving lives in Newark, New Jersey.