Homeless Offered Services at St Joseph's

Free sandwiches, clothes, and social services were provided for the region's homeless and poor at the third annual Stand For The Homeless Event held at St. Joseph's College in Patchogue.

"I came here to get housing, school supplies, and any kind of help," said Crystal McCurey, who attended the event with her six-month-old daughter.

Housing organizations such as Options for Community Living, dental care from Stony Brook University School of Dental Science students, and blankets made from recycled bottles from Tzu Chi International were among many of the free services provided. North Patchogue Fire Department transported anyone who needed additional medical assistance for treatment.

"It's an opportunity to bring together service providers that will be of assistance to homeless individuals in Suffolk County," said Edward Hernandez, Deputy Commissioner of Social Services of Suffolk County and Adjunct Professor at St. Joseph's College.

According to Hernandez, around 65 organizations, 250 volunteers and 500 total people attended.

Hernandez said that to reach out to the homeless population they used church networks and the press, as well as using Suffolk County transportation services to bus people to the college.

John Callegari, a former Suffolk County employee who has worked on the event since it began, said that the event was held at St. Joseph's because it had outgrown the Deer Park location originally used, and has steadily increased in the number of volunteers, organizations and people attending.

Suffolk County organized the Stand for the Homeless event.