Stories

During the COVID-19 pandemic, these individuals are facing dire challenges. Grocery store shelves have limited stock, public transportation has been running on severely modified schedules and medical facilities are overwhelmed. Millions have lost their paychecks, jobs and a way to sustain life. One critical challenge Volunteers of America Delaware Valley is working hard to address is ensuring that no family or individual ever goes hungry. Beginning in early April, VOADV has been working side-by-side with local food banks, community organizations, law enforcement agencies and others in various capacities to collect and distribute meals to hundreds of struggling families and vulnerable…

Over the last 100 years, Volunteers of America Delaware Valley has become a trusted and valued provider of essential services to those in need of assistance. Veterans, women, families, young adults, seniors and individuals with specialized needs can find the support needed to achieve a life of independence with the help and guidance of our programs. VOADV’s affordable and workforce housing programs provides individuals and families with the freedom of independent living, while fostering a communal support network and access to the vital social services needed to maintain a healthy living environment. Despite impacts from COVID-19, April marked the opening…

Those who are experiencing homelessness are among our communities’ most vulnerable and highest-risk populations. This is even more true during the COVID-19 pandemic. These individuals demonstrate higher rates of chronic health issues than the general population – in turn, putting them at much higher risk for having serious and sometimes fatal health complications if they contract COVID-19. Those experiencing homelessness also tends to reside in congregate living conditions, which is not conducive to social distancing and seriously lacks a recuperative environment that enables healthy recovery. Additionally, this population is significantly more reliant on crisis-oriented resources, such as emergency rooms. “From…

Just a few blocks west of Camden’s Central Waterfront district stands Anna M. Sample House Complex, Volunteers of America Delaware Valley’s emergency shelter and transitional living facility for women, children and families experiencing homelessness. For more than 30 years, this facility has given vulnerable single women, single mothers and fathers with children and intact families a safe, supportive environment to address and overcome factors that may have contributed to their homelessness, while developing the new supports necessary for a second chance at a fulfilling, independent life. The emergency shelter was originally established in 1988 in honor of Anna M. Sample…

The worldwide coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has caused unprecedented levels of damage and disruption to everyday society. The greater, lasting impact it will have on our communities and way of life is just beginning to be felt and understood. While restrictions are being lifted and some are returning to work, countless individuals have lost their jobs and homes, putting them and their families at risk of homelessness due to uncontrollable, unforeseen circumstances. According to a recent study conducted by a Columbia University professor, homelessness in the United States could grow as much as 45% in one year post-COVID-19. This means an additional…

Behind every facemask, there is a story. We are proud to introduce Christina Lemma. Christina is the Program Director for two of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley’s (VOADV) Camden-based emergency and transitional housing programs: Aletha R. Wright “Vision of Hope” Center, a 69-bed low barrier, emergency housing program for single men experiencing homelessness and Home for the Brave, a 30-bed transitional housing program for single male veterans, funded through the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. As Program Director, Christina manages all staff and day-to-day operations at both the Aletha R. Wright “Vision of Hope” Center and Home for the Brave, while securing new funding…

Mr. Dennis is a resident at VOADV’s Camden-based transitional housing program, Home for the Brave, where he is recognized by his colorful, patriotic star-spangled cap. He is a US veteran – one who proudly served in the United States Army for eleven years as a cryptographer. He is also a talented jazz musician, a master of many instruments. And because of his musical talents, Mr. Dennis has also become a local icon. On a typical morning, you can find Mr. Dennis walking down JFK Boulevard in Philadelphia, humming Cat Steven’s “Good Morning Has Broken” with an old, leather music case…

Behind the mask meet Kimberly Love – a proud Oaklyn-native, mother and Director of Specialized Offender Services and the Community Resource Center (CRC) at Volunteers of America Delaware Valley. Kim’s job is not an easy one. In fact, Kim serves arguably one of the communities’ most difficult populations: ex-offenders who have been released from prison and under parole supervision. It requires mental fortitude, creativity, physical strength, ingenuity… and even some tough love. In a dual capacity, Kim oversees VOADV’s CRC in Camden, which serves as a day reporting center for ex-offenders providing critical structure, support and rehabilitation, as well as…

Behind every facemask, there is a story. Angela Randall serves as the Regional Director of Housing Services for many of Volunteers of America Delaware Valley’s housing facilities around the region. From Lindenwold Towers, Waterfront Village and Brittin Village to Homestead at Harmony, Christine’s Corner and Moving Forward, Angela works closely with her staff members to secure temporary and permanent housing for some of our communities’ most vulnerable individuals: individuals experiencing homelessness, senior citizens, veterans and those suffering from chronic mental illness. While it may seem like tremendous responsibility for only one woman, those who know Angela know she is perfect…

Meet Latasha Kendrick – VOADV Moving Forward client and single mother of three children who overcame homelessness and domestic violence only to face a new, unexpected challenge in 2020… coronavirus. We first introduced you to Latasha in our June edition, when The Star Ledger/NJ.com profiled her struggle of having to choose between the job she loves and staying home to care for her children during the pandemic. A few weeks ago, Latasha was asked to share her heartbreaking story with esteemed Senior Business Correspondent Stephanie Ruhle for a primetime special “Coronavirus and the Classroom,” anchored by Lester Holt. Latasha’s segment focused on…