As a member of the Development Committee of HomeFront, I am in a position to observe all aspects of the organization. Tackling the Catch-22 that so many working poor face (some income but not enough) head on is the key to HomeFront's success. It is the epitome of "teaching a person to fish". Their programs train their clients in all aspects of life, from job seeking skills to budgeting to parenting. Their committment goes far beyond a hand out and a place to stay for a while. They provide a solid hand grasp and a refuge where families can recoup, reassess and recover.
I have been involved with HomeFront off and on for the entire twenty years of its history. I believe I wrote their first foundation proposal, back when their primary activity was delivering food to homeless families in the "welfare motels" on Route One in New Jersey. Over the years I have looked in now and then and seen the evolution of the current multi-service agency serving thousands of people in a variety of ways. Their programs provide well more than food and shelter. They put a lot of focus on education and employment both for homeless and needy parents and for their children. Their programs break the cycle of homelessness and poverty, providing these families with a new start. Their current efforts also involve preventing homelessness, rather than treating it after it occurs. In my long career working with human services agencies, I have never seen anything like HomeFront. It is one of a kind.