Source: JerseyCatholic.org
The Archdiocese of Newark will open a second location of their Mercy House — its resource and referral center that provides a wide variety of assistance to all in need — at 20 Greenville Ave. in Jersey City. It is the next step in the Archdiocese’s goal of opening a resource and referral center in each of the four counties it serves — Bergen, Essex, Hudson, and Union.
Beginning Monday December 5, the facility will be open for business starting at at 11AM. The day will begin with tour of the facility and a blessing from Auxiliary Bishop Gregory J. Studerus, who oversees Hudson County for the Archdiocese.
Jersey City Councilwoman Denise Ridley is also scheduled to visit.
“We’re excited about being in Jersey City, and everyone from the community has been very welcoming so far,” said Cheryl A. Riley, director of the Respect Life Office (RLO) of The Mercy House. “There’s a lot of need in the world today, so we’re looking forward to being there for the people who could use some help.”
Much like the original Newark Mercy House, the Jersey City location will provide nonperishable food, clothing, baby supplies, furniture, and help finding work and housing to all who request assistance. The resource and referral center will be open every Monday and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with special events throughout the year beginning with a Christmas toy giveaway.
It came about after Father Joseph Furnaguera of St. Paul the Apostle Church offered the parish-owned Greenville Avenue property to RLO, which converted several of the building’s first floor rooms into storage spaces for the essentials it distributes. In addition, the Mercy House staff will continue operating the site’s boarding home, with paying tenants receiving three meals per day.
“The Mercy House embodies the Catholic Church’s mission — we’re helping the poor and the vulnerable and the homeless,” Riley says. “Whether it’s providing them with a warm coat or supplying a package of diapers for their baby, we’re out in the trenches giving people what they need. At the same time, we’re letting them know the Church is always there for them.”
To inquire about donating to or volunteering at The Mercy House in Jersey City, you can email Cheryl A. Riley at cheryl . riley @ rcan . org or visit Mercy House online.