To raise funds for their mission of assistance, the Emergency Housing and Advocacy Program will host its first annual Charity Art Auction March 23 in the Dentici Hall of St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold.

The evening begins at 7 p.m. with a preview of artwork of various media and price range presented for auction as well as gift baskets for raffle. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served during the preview, accompanied by background music. Guests will have an opportunity to learn about the artwork, meet other guests and representatives of EHAP. Bidding will commence at 8 p.m.

Proceeds of the Charity Art Auction will go toward EHAP’s efforts to support those in need of emergency housing and other benefits. EHAP’s mission to assist, empower and educate homeless individuals began in 2003 as a collaborative effort between the Freehold Clergy Association and its members. Now in its 15th year, the organization operates an Emergency Housing Program – a winter hospitality program running from Dec. 1 through March 31, hosting up to 12 men each night.

EHAP’s unique approach relies upon participating Freehold Clergy Association member congregations to host men in a warm, safe place to sleep, with volunteers providing meals as well. Men are permitted to stay for the duration of the winter program, and EHAP uses this time to help them with medical and mental health needs, job assistance and securing permanent housing.

“In addition to nightly shelter, the program strives to provide a pathway to self-sufficiency for the men that are hosted,” EHAP indicated in a press release for the auction. “Over the years it became apparent that there was a great need ….  In 2017, an office open to the public was established so that services could be expanded to women and families.  The hospitality program continues today and more than 100 people visit our office each week … a population that is desperate for assistance with few options available to them.”

In addition to the hospitality program, almost 200 people visit the Freehold office at 41 Throckmorton Street each month for help. This includes men, women and families that seek assistance with housing, medical benefits and getting their lives in order. 

“People have told us that they haven’t seen other programs like ours,” explained Joan Mandel, a licensed social worker and EHAP’s executive director. “Since we are funded solely from donations, we operate in less rigid manner than other organizations. All of our staff and volunteers are kind, patient and understanding, which makes a big difference for the people we serve. They may have difficulty with things that seem simple to most of us, and taking the time to listen and to help is something they don’t always get elsewhere.” 

Tickets for the Charity Art Auction are $20 per person. To purchase tickets or make a donation, as well as view the EHAP video, visit Tix.ehapinc.org.

For more information, call 732-934-4250 or email [email protected]. St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral is located at 61 Georgia Road.