"There were people that just needed a warm place to stay and something to eat. It will be hard for me to ever complain again about anything. It is real out there" (Pastor Justin Wilson)
Frigid overnight temperatures and harsh weather conditions had The Newark Office of Emergency Management and Newark's Health Department shifting into full gear with the assistance from volunteers from The Pentecostal Church of God congregation to house hundreds of the city's less fortunate.
The church, under the leadership of Bishop Stoudimere, is located at 60 19th Ave. in the city's West Ward, provided as many as 15 volunteers including the pastor ( Elder Justin Wilson) in preparing food and warming center to over 150 of the city's less fortunate at John F. Kennedy Recreation Center.
This is the first time that The Pentecostal Church of God has teamed up with the Office of Emergency Management and The Newark Health Department to assist in Code Blue city officials said.
Pastor, Elder Justin Wilson along with Sis Vanessa Davis coordinated with OEM in feeding the homeless hot soup, distributed warm clothing, blankets, and a place to sleep during harsh overnight weather conditions. "Our bishop and the church leadership encourages us to get out more to help the people. There were several other pastors and volunteers from around the city working along with the less fortunate including Pastor Turner who prepared breakfast this morning. What a blessing for us to all come together to get a great job done" Pastor Wilson said.
"It's extremely cold outside and all of those cots were completely filled to capacity. This is one of 8 locations that the city has offered shelter and housing from the frigid weather to those that were in need" Wilson continued.
Officials from the Office Of Emergency Management wants to thank all of the local church congregations and volunteers that has assisted in their efforts to housing and feeding the less fortunate during this harsh winter season.
"We want to continue to partner with Mayor Baraka , The Newark Health Department, and The Office of Emergency Management in these efforts to help the people of Newark" Wilson added.