In Case You Missed It: A Soup Kitchen that Goes Above and Beyond

Editor's Note: The following story was originally published as a blog on New Brunswick Patch on March 13, 2013. It was written by Sylvia Meredith, a student at Rutgers University.

Elijah’s Promise, a soup kitchen located on 18 Neilson St., provides more than just a daily nutritious and delicious meal for hungry New Jerseyans, it also supplies people with educational opportunities, jobs for personal and professional improvement. 

Paul, who asked that his last name not be used, was once a homeless man found on the steps in front of Elijah’s Promise. Counselors working for the soup kitchen helped him turn his life around, away from drugs to a steady job helping others in need. Paul is just one example of the extraordinary differences Elijah’s Promise has made in the lives of others. 

Paul, 52, of New Jersey, found himself addicted to drugs at age nine and on the streets by age 15. Traveling the streets of New Jersey, he faced prison time and the death of his long time girlfriend due to a drug overdose. He suffered near death experiences and was a trapped in a world full of drugs. 

“I hit rock bottom when I looked over to my girlfriend lying dead in our bed from a drug overdose” said Paul. 

However, when Paul encountered Elijah’s Promise, he soon started to see his life change in a positive way. One of Paul’s passions is to cook, specifically Italian food, and he received a culinary degree through the help of the counselors at the soup kitchen. Paul eventually became a chef for Elijah’s Promise for about a year, providing around 600 people with meals a day. He also traveled to other soup kitchens, such as Woodbridge’s, to cook meals. And he did not stop there. He is now a peer counselor for others who also struggle with similar unfortunate road blocks. 

“I see myself as big brother to some of the people that come into Elijah’s Promise” Paul said. 

Today, Paul shares his story of struggles and accomplishments, as an inspirational speaker, at Piscataway High School. Paul likes the idea that he can give back to the community by sharing his experiences and is even thinking about opening up a deli with his close friend. Elijah’s Promise was a catalyst for this man’s remarkable story of a complete turn around. 

Once a year, Elijah’s Promise hands out the NJ statewide continuum of care point in time survey, which is a census for homeless people living in New Jersey. This survey, administered by the Corporation for Supportive House, a national group, and mandated by the state, is used to assess the housing and health status of homeless people living in New Jersey. The survey is necessary to fairly evaluate the proper funding for soup kitchens like Elijah’s Promise and other programs. With the help of volunteers, donors and community partners working together, Elijah’s Promise is trying to make a difference and break the cycle of poverty in the New Brunswick community. 

Paul stressed the need for a supportive amount of funding and help for Elijah’s Promise to keep up with the resources that are vital in helping others. Not only do they need food to feed the hunger, but when “code blue” is in action, meaning it’s less than 20 degrees outside, Elijah’s Promise opens their doors for the homeless to sleep on the floor.

Pillows and blankets to keep these people warm, is just one factor that will come out of the funding and donations. With the suitable amount of donations, funding and volunteer work, Paul’s story can be one of many to come with the help of Elijah’s Promise. 

Elijah’s Promise, with the help of other organizations, gave Paul the opportunity to live in a home with other men that shared similar stories of homelessness, the home is called “Welcome Home”, where he shares costs and responsibilities, and maintains a stable way of life. He is currently working in social services, volunteering at the soup kitchen and supporting himself in his new home. He has come a long way from his earlier years and has Elijah’s Promise to partially thank.

“I’m happy where my life is now and I wouldn’t change anything” said Paul.