At SHIP new Safe Harbor we have relocated a donated “Coffee Bar” which was given by a caring company doing business in Somerset County.  The company chooses to remain anonymous and continues to supply all the coffee and supplies needed to meet the needs of the clients being served.

 

The donation came about as a result of a story that appeared in the Courier News.  In the story homeless men living in the woods in Somerville told the reporter of their need to panhandle for over an hour in order to raise the funds needed to purchase their first cup of coffee for the day, their “warmer upper or eye opener.”

 

As a result of this blessing, SHIP now is able to offer fresh ground gourmet coffee along with cake and buns each morning to those in need.  These donations are offered in a safe non-threatening environment we choose to call “Bill’s Place” in memory of Bill Hicks.   

 

Bill was a frequent visitor to SHIP.  He was homeless most of the time and suffered because of many health related issues.  He was well liked and despite the hard life he experienced he had a great sense of humor.  He was loved by all at SHIP.   He has gone to his eternal rest on August 2, 2001 and is missed.  Thanks to many friends of SHIP he received a dignified funeral.  We have been unable to locate any living relatives, but he is not forgotten.

 

It is a joy to see our guests interacting with volunteers and staff and enjoying themselves in the safe and welcoming environment called “Bill’s Place.”

 

Our guests have been overheard saying things like, “Oh, this will really warm me up, what a surprise, SHIP has real coffee for us, this is great.” 

 

We are pleased to be able to offer our guests some small additional relief in their struggle to survive the brutality of homelessness and poverty.  Bill would have liked the place and gotten a kick out of it.  Rest in peace, friend.