County Extends “Operation Helping Hand” To Homeless Passaic Veterans

PASSAIC COUNTY, NJ — Winter officially begins in less than two weeks, and two Passaic County charitable organizations are teaming up with the county to help homeless veterans find a warm place to stay.

This effort, called "Operation Helping Hand," will take place on Thursday, Dec. 12 and Friday, Dec. 13.

Passaic County, the Catholic Charities Diocese of Paterson, and New Jersey SOS Vets Stakeholders will be out looking to communicate with any veterans who are experiencing homelessness, and connect them with resources that can provide safe and stable housing.

Local veterans in need, or anyone who knows a Passaic County veteran that needs assistance, may reach out through the following contacts:

• Homeless Veteran Hotline: 1-855-289-8527
• Catholic Charities SSVF Program: 1-855-767-8387
• David Pearson, Catholic Charities Veteran Services: 973-818-3601 or dpearson@catholiccharities.org
• Passaic County Veteran Affairs: (973) 569-4060

Commissioner Sandi Lazzara, the Deputy Director of the board, said initiatives like Operation Helping Hand "show our collective commitment to helping those who served our country, especially when they face difficult times.”

“We owe our veterans not only our gratitude but also tangible support to ensure they can live with dignity and stability,” Lazzara said in a statement.

For more information about Operation Helping Hand or Passaic County’s ongoing veteran support programs, contact Passaic County Veteran Affairs at (973) 569-4060.