Eva's Village (), a comprehensive New Jersey anti-poverty charity, is experiencing an increase in need in 2009, and a decline in foundation grants and
individual gifts — Eva's Village, Paterson, New Jersey, seeks additional funding to meet the increasing need. Paterson, NJ () May 27, 2009 — Eva's Village describes an increase in their NJ anti-poverty programs and a decline in foundation grants and gifts from direct-mail appeals as "disturbing”, and is actively seeking support for their New Jersey anti-poverty programs during the current economic recession. NJ Homeless Shelter The faces of poverty in New Jersey can be seen at noon every day, 365 days a year at Eva's Village New Jersey . There are the chronic New Jersey homeless, but also veterans, the addicted, mentally ill, elderly, poor, and increasingly, New Jersey's working poor. Sister Gloria Perez, Executive Director of Eva's Village, defines New Jersey's working poor as “…those who work at one or even multiple minimum wage or sub-minimum wage jobs, but still don't make enough to support themselves or their families.” She is careful to point out that the working poor resist government aid or charity, but as jobs become scarce, they have no choice. Sister Gloria says, "We have New Jersey fathers and mothers coming to eat their one meal per day here, so they can give their share at home to the family.” While Eva's Village has been aggressively seeking donations, it has experienced a decline in overall giving for its anti-poverty programs. More than half of the revenue that supports the Eva's Village mission to "feed the hungry, , treat the addicted and provide free medical and dental care to the poor,” comes from donations from corporate, private foundations, individuals and civic groups. Donna Marie Fico, Chief Marketing Office at Eva's Village, notes that they are very grateful for the support of corporate and private charitable foundations, government grants, New Jersey businesses and thousands of dedicated private donors. Ms. Fico says, "During this time of economic uncertainty, it is important to be both creative and cost-effective in how we conduct our fundraising.” She reports that as one of the most respected, comprehensive and effective anti-poverty organizations in the state of New Jersey, Eva's Village receives high marks for efficiency, including a Four-Star rating by [Charity Navigator __title__ Support Anti-Poverty Programs indicating that Eva's Village "Exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its Cause” (Charity Navigator).
Originally a New Jersey soup kitchen, Eva's Village was founded in 1982 by Msgr. Vincent E. Puma in response to the increasing incidence of homelessness in Paterson, NJ. But Msgr. Puma soon realized that another New Jersey soup kitchen was not enough. With the generous support of thousands of donors and private and government grants, Eva's Village has grown into the most respected anti-poverty program in New Jersey, with a four-star (maximum) rating by Charity Navigator, an independent non-profit monitor.