Tag Archives: Mika’il Malik

News

Trenton’s Medical Respite Center Offers New Hope for People Experiencing Homelessness

By Mika’il Malik

The Rescue Mission of Trenton has opened its Medical Respite Center, a facility designed to provide temporary care for individuals experiencing homelessness who have been recently discharged from a hospital.

According to Princeton University’s School of Public and International Affairs, this initiative is a collaboration with the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness, and is already making a significant impact in addressing gaps in post-hospital care for Trenton’s unhoused community since its opening on November 1, 2024.

The idea for the center was spearheaded by Ben Harris, a second-year Master of Public Affairs student at Princeton University, during his internship with the New Jersey Coalition to End Homelessness.

Harris played a pivotal role in establishing the center, helping develop its business plan, budget and operational model.

“A lot of what we’re doing is infection control and infection prevention,” Harris said in an interview with The Streetlight. “If someone comes out [of the hospital] with a wound or some sort of stitching and they go out into the street, that’s gonna have a high propensity to become infected.”

The Medical Respite Center offers a clean, stable environment for individuals to recover in while receiving assistance in transitioning to stable housing or shelter. The facility currently operates with four beds, and has a Licensed Practical Nurse and a case manager on staff.

Patients admitted to the center must be ambulatory, meaning they can still move independently or with assistance, and are encouraged to leave during the day to attend follow-up medical appointments, visit family or seek housing.  However, patients return in the evening to sleep and continue their recovery.

“The LPN helps with basic clinical supervision, like ensuring they take their medications or coordinating their follow-up care,” Harris said. “The case manager is there to help them plan what’s next — whether it’s finding housing or securing documents.”

The goal, Harris said, is to help patients fully recuperate before reintegrating into their everyday lives.

According to DuEwa Edwards Dickson, chief of supportive services at the Trenton Rescue Mission, patrons are typically referred to the Medical Respite Center directly from hospitals. Once admitted, individuals may stay for up to 90 days, though most tend to leave before reaching the 60-day mark. The facility also offers private rooms when necessary, providing additional flexibility based on patients’ needs.

Funding for the center initially came from the state, recognizing its role in infection control and reducing hospital readmissions. Mercer County has also contributed funding. However, Harris noted that securing long-term financial sustainability remains a challenge.

“We’re trying to make it a well-oiled machine that’s fully operational, but we’re still working on long-term funding,” he said.

Beyond its practical benefits, the center is helping reshape public perception of homelessness in Trenton. Harris emphasized that
facilities like this not only benefit individuals in need but also serve the broader community by reducing hospital costs and encouraging long-term recovery.

News

The Sleeping Ban: How Could the Supreme Court Ruling Affect the City of Trenton?

By Mika’il Malik

The U.S. Supreme Court issued an important ruling on homelessness, in a 6-3 decision on June 28, 2024. The Court upheld the right of cities to ban and penalize outdoor sleeping and camping, even when shelters are unavailable. 

According to NPR, this decision overturned lower court rulings that argued such bans constituted cruel and unusual punishment, sparking debate about the balance between public order and humanitarian concerns.

According to WHYY, homelessness increased 12% nationwide compared to last year, and now people are forced to choose between sleeping and breaking the law. NPR also reported that critics have argued that this ruling “criminalizes” homelessness without addressing its root causes, further marginalizing those in need.

However, supporters claim it is essential for public safety, ensuring that people use the available resources and attempt to maintain order in cities. 

Although not many cities have yet issued a complete ban, some cities have been utilizing this ruling, and are taking action against the homeless community. The town of Grants Pass, Ohio, which won the Supreme Court ruling, is allowed to start issuing a $295 fine to anyone sleeping outside.

Additionally, according to the New York Post, after Atlantic City officials discovered a homeless encampment under its boardwalk over the summer, they have been working on preventing people from setting up any camps. Since the Supreme Court now allows bans, Atlantic City’s council is now considering implementing one.

The City of Trenton and nearby areas are not immune to these problems. As homelessness increased by 31% in the Mercer County area within the last year, according to Anchor House’s website — an organization that provides services for youth facing homelessness this new decision, if implemented in Trenton, could further exacerbate the challenges for many people.

Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora recognizes how impactful this decision is on the Trenton community, stating that the City will “take a more compassionate approach, balancing the need for public safety with the necessity of providing support to those experiencing homelessness,” in an interview with The Streetlight.

Additionally, Gusciora said “it is reasonable to enforce a ban on sleeping in public parks and playgrounds, as these are spaces meant for children and families to enjoy without concerns about safety.” But he affirms that, “Our goal in Trenton is not to criminalize homelessness but to provide the necessary resources and opportunities for people to rebuild their lives.”

Gusciora pointed out that programs like “ARRIVE Together,” help ensure that interactions with homeless individuals are handled sensitively, and pairs police officers with mental health professionals.

Additionally, Trenton benefits from a strong network of organizations, including the Rescue Mission, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, HomeFront and Arm In Arm.

These organizations work together to provide food, shelter and essential services for those in need, ensuring the homeless community receives dignified care. Gusciora said that the City of Trenton will “remain committed to lifting peo- ple up while ensuring our public spaces are safe for everyone.”

The U.S. Supreme Court issued an important ruling on homelessness, in a 6-3 decision on June 28, 2024. The Court upheld the right of cities to ban and penalize outdoor sleeping and camping, even when shelters are unavailable. 

According to NPR, this decision overturned lower court rulings that argued such bans constituted cruel and unusual punishment, sparking debate about the balance between public order and humanitarian concerns.

According to WHYY, homelessness increased 12% nationwide within the last year. Now, people are forced to choose between sleeping and breaking the law. NPR also reported that critics have argued that this ruling “criminalizes” homelessness without addressing its root causes, further marginalizing those in need.

However, supporters claim it is essential for public safety, ensuring that people use the available resources and attempt to maintain order in cities.

Although not many cities have yet issued a complete ban, some cities have been utilizing this ruling, and are taking action against the homeless community. The town of Grants Pass, Ohio, which won the Supreme court ruling, is allowed to start issuing a $295 fine to anyone sleeping outside.

Additionally, according to the New York Post, after Atlantic City officials discovered a homeless encampment under its boardwalk over the summer, they have been working on preventing people from setting up any camps. Since the Supreme Court now allows bans, Atlantic City’s council is now considering implementing one.

The City of Trenton and nearby areas are not immune to these problems. As homelessness increased by 31% in the Mercer County area within the last year, according to Anchor House’s website — an organization that provides services for youth facing homelessness —this new decision, if implemented in Trenton, could further exacerbate the challenges for many people.

Trenton Mayor W. Reed Gusciora recognizes how impactful this decision is on the Trenton community, stating that the City will “take a more compassionate approach, balancing the need for public safety with the necessity of providing support to those experiencing homelessness,” in an interview with The Streetlight.

Additionally, Gusciora said “it is reasonable to enforce a ban on sleeping in public parks and playgrounds, as these are spaces meant for children and families to enjoy without concerns about safety.” But he affirms that, “Our goal in Trenton is not to criminalize homelessness but to provide the necessary resources and opportunities for people to rebuild their lives.”

Gusciora pointed out that programs like “ARRIVE Together,” help ensure that interactions with homeless individuals are handled sensitively, and pairs police officers with mental health professionals.

Additionally, Trenton benefits from a strong network of organizations, including the Rescue Mission, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, HomeFront and Arm In Arm.

These organizations work together to provide food, shelter and essential services for those in need, ensuring the homeless community receives dignified care. Gusciora said that the City of Trenton will “remain committed to lifting people up while ensuring our public spaces are safe for everyone.”