Categories
Diversity Poetry Self Awareness Topic

Employed and Unhoused-What’s Wrong with This Picture?

Man holding paycheck with nowhere to go
The dawn’s early light 
Tells of a downward plight
Or the perilous fight
Nearly fifty percent

Land of the free
Home of the brave
Depraved of housing
A basic human need

Nearly fifty percent
Work for mere cents
Either part time or full time
Heavy bombs on descent

Unhoused, homeless, no roof
Paycheck in hand is no proof
Proof of simple liberties
Nearly fifty percent

Show up every day to work
With income, not enough
To secure a dwelling
Prices ever going up

Nearly fifty percent
No place to call home
Across the U S of A
Shall free men stand
Be free in this land?

In God we trust
Always a must
Walk by faith
But not by sight

Nearly fifty percent
Not of unemployment
But homelessness

Nearly fifty percent

Image created with AI using Copilot

Categories
Diversity Info Topic

Latifah and Shaq Putting Newark on the Map

Image by Bruce Emmerling from Pixabay

Big ups to Queen Latifah and Shaquille O’Neal for their efforts with affordable housing in Newark, New Jersey. This is much needed in the Newark and surrounding areas. I know families who live there are grateful to have housing that is not breaking their pocket.

People who love their community should not feel pressured to leave because it costs too much to live in the area. A lack of resources can put a strain on the pockets of many. Newark has definitely changed over the years. You can see some revitalization happening in different parts of the city. It is nice to see.

Queen Latifah’s Project

Affordable units called Rita Gardens will be available and are located at 650 Springfield Avenue, Newark, NJ. Springfield Avenue is one of the major streets that continues into neighboring cities like Irvington, Maplewood, Union, Springfield, Vaux Hall and towards Jersey City going in the opposite direction. An electric car charging station, business center and fitness center are some of the amenities you will find. There will be market priced units in addition to the affordable units made available.

Shaquille O’Neal’s Project

777 McCarter Highway is a project underway, close to Newark Penn Station. This will be a mixed residential property with 20% of the units affordably priced. This high-rise property will feature an indoor pool, roof top lounge, a gym and concierge service. Space for retail businesses will also be available at this location.

What a great effort by Queen Latifah and Shaquille O’Neal! It goes to show what is possible by teaming up with others who are passionate about the communities they grew up in. Newark is steadily changing, and it seems to be moving in the right direction. Thank you to Queen Latifah, Shaquille O’Neal and all the partners and investors who are making this possible for the community in Newark, New Jersey!