Phillipsburg EnVision Center Assists Community During the COVID-19 Pandemic

PHILLIPSBURG, NJ - The Phillipsburg EnVision Center located in one of the hardest hit states of the pandemic does not tackle COVID-19 alone. Beginning on March 13th, the Phillipsburg EnVision Center partnered with the Joseph H. Firth Youth Center (FYC) to provide 3,615 lunches to families in need and launched initiatives to help students. When Phillipsburg's schools transitioned to on-line learning, FYC provided needed school supplies, gave away over 500 books, provided internet access, and provided photocopies for continued success outside of the classroom for the town's at-risk youth. High school seniors are also receiving assistance with their college scholarship applications through proofreading, printing services, and even the mailing of scholarship applications.

The Phillipsburg EnVision Center and FYC have left no stone unturned. Over the Easter holiday, families with children received written notes in the mail from the "Easter Bunny." It's these small acts that separate the Phillipsburg community from most.

HUD's EnVision Centers offer families support and federal resources to help them achieve self-sufficiency. EnVision Centers are premised on the fact that financial support alone is insufficient to solve poverty. Focused collective efforts across various organizations are needed to realize a more holistic path to foster lasting self-sufficiency.

"The Phillipsburg EnVision Center is providing New Jersey families with much needed support in the epicenter of the COVID-19 crisis," said Lynne Patton, HUD Regional Administrator for New York and New Jersey. "I am proud of this community for stepping up to help their neighbors. This EnVision Center will continue to provide local residents with a pathway to self-sufficiency and economic empowerment."

Located on or near public housing developments, EnVision Centers provide communities with a centralized hub to access support under the following four pillars: Economic Empowerment, Educational Advancement, Health and Wellness, and Character and Leadership. The Phillipsburg EnVision Center had its grand opening on December 9, 2019.

#NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #InThisTogether.

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