Harvest House can see rise in homeless

This is in reference to a recent article about the homeless count being up in Sussex County. Harvest House can see that! We currently are serving upwards of 80 hot meals a day. The people that rely on Harvest House for a hot meal are grateful for what is done for them and with your help we can continue this program.
Harvest House began with the establishment of the Vernon Township High School Hunger Project in September 1997. The students saw a need for a soup Kitchen in the area and wanted to do something about it. After three years of research and hard work the first hot meal was served at Harvest House in October 2000.
Our guests include people in limited incomes, Vietnam War veterans who live in single occupancy housing, single mothers and young families unable to find adequate employment. The program is open to anyone in need. The current economy has accentuated the problems of our guests at the same time that it has diminished the private and corporate contributions that allow Harvest House to operate. It is this reality that prompts me to write to you in an appeal for help.
Harvest House is a fully Incorporated 501 © (3) non-profit organization. We have only one paid employee, our kitchen supervisor. Local volunteers do all of the other work, such as: preparing and serving food, picking-up donated food, sorting supplies. Stocking the pantry, and cleaning. Fundraising and cash donations help pay for our standard overhead costs that include utilities, insurance, and supplies.
We depend on the continued support of the community to help keep Harvest House operating. We are continually grateful to Acme in Vernon & Sussex, Weis in Franklin and Holland American Bakery who continue to donate all baked goods, produce and meat.
We are currently in need of financial support to continue to feed the hungry. We have the canned goods and other items needed to prepare a meal but our expenses are up due to more supplies are being used. Such as Styrofoam containers (3 comp trays), small flip top trays, Styrofoam cups, 6, 8 and 12 ounce, foil sheets, etc. The members of Harvest House and the people that are fed would appreciate any support that you can give. There is no amount too small. If you can supply some of those items that would be great.
We hope you will continue to support our work at Harvest House. Please send your donations to Harvest House at PO Box 374, Glenwood, NJ 07418. All donations are tax deductible.
Giovanna Villano
Harvest House Fundraising Chairwoman