The M25 Initiative Board of Trustees announced the opening of the online application for grant funding to support efforts to alleviate food insecurity in Cumberland County, NJ. The M25 Initiative will release up to $15,000 to support organizational initiatives that feed Cumberland County residents. Any 501c3 or faith-based organization (e.g., church) can apply for funding. Deadline is November 21. Visit m25initiative.org/food-insecurity.html for more information and to apply.

The M25 Board of Trustees has awarded $100,000 to the Rural Development Corporation (RDC) to serve as the agency to coordinate case management and housing opportunities for clients of the Cumberland County Housing First Collaborative. The Collaborative uses a comprehensive strategy to find permanent homes for those without one. Housing is coupled with wrap-around services to keep them off the street and pointed toward fulfilling and productive lives.

The Collaborative was started in December 2015. In the summer of 2017, the Collaborative began moving in clients who transitioned from being homeless to being homeBLESSED. The original goal of helping 42 individuals who are classified as “chronically homeless” has been surpassed to over 111 individuals. Phase Six will seek to house over 20 clients by June 30, 2023. Learn more at endhomelessness2020.com.