Joseph's House of Camden

'Caring for God's Presence in our Midst'

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Our Vision

To solve chronic homelessness in Camden, New Jersey and the surrounding communities.

Our Mission

To collaborate with individuals and organizations in providing opportunities for Camden’s growing homeless population to be safe, supported, and empowered to permanently improve their situations and circumstances.

NEWSLETTER

A Joseph's House Story

Tom is a 40 year old male diagnosed with HIV and in treatment for cancer of the spine. He also struggles with drug addiction and since 2005 has been chronically homeless. Tom started coming to the café in November of 2011 and little by little told us his story.

He wasn’t always homeless and addicted. In fact, in the years before 2005 Tom worked full time as a dietician, was married, owned a home and had a daughter. But all that slowly changed and unraveled when he first tried drugs around the age of 29. For years he told himself he could handle things, that his drug use was not taking a toll on his wife and daughter, and that he was still able to function at a high level at work. But those closest to him knew otherwise. Interventions failed and eventually Tom lost his wife and daughter, lost his home and his job. And somewhere along the way, maybe sharing a needle, Tom picked up HIV.

When he came to the Café in November Tom was sick. A few months before, cancer was discovered in his spine, and the chemotherapy treatments not only caused weight loss but made him sick in the stomach as well. He wanted a place to stay that was safe and warm. He found that with us, and hopefully more than that.

Tom is in an apartment of his own now and is focusing on his health and his addiction. Going through detox and learning skills to cope with his illness were difficult and painful for Tom. But sharing the journey with someone who listens, who cares, and who provides encouragement can make a difference. The road ahead of Tom is challenging, indeed. But he’s not travelling it alone. None of us are.

Spring Edition
Thursday, 10 May, 2012

RECENT NEWS

Thank You to Our Donors & Volunteers
Saturday, 31 March, 2012

Closing for the Summer
Friday, 23 March, 2012

Providing Shelter and Comfort
Catholic Star Herald | Friday, 16 December, 2011

Clothing for Humanity
Marrero Photography | Friday, 18 November, 2011