Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors (LNHN) serves Livingston residents who are struggling financially and have been screened by the Township social worker to confirm need. The social worker is also able to connect residents with other assistance programs when available. Since its inception in 2016, LNHN, which is volunteer run, has worked with over 75 Livingston families, including 27 since Coronavirus began in March. LNHN manages an emergency fund for short-term urgent needs and all grants are screened by the Township Social worker. LNHN has provided 66 emergency assistance grants, including 32 since Coronavirus began in March. LNHN's also manages the CHOW food pantry, which is in Livingston's town hall, and enables the organization to create a safety net for residents in need and provide hope to our neighbors who are struggling. LNHN consistently delivers non-perishables from the food pantry and has been able to purchase important perishables to help families served. LNHN also provides Shoprite gift cards which allows those served to shop for essential perishable items from time to time.
When LNHN's CHOW food pantry has excess food, it is shared with partner organizations based in Newark including St. John's, St. Ann's and St. Michaels. Nick Santinelli delivers food, both non-perishable and perishable items to these organizations daily. During covid because the need is so severe, LNHN has started an effort to regularly send peanut butter and jelly sandwiches/lunch bags. Sandwiches must be in zip locks and participants should wear gloves and masks when making. Nick will also gladly take cooked meals or frozen meals that can be served at the soup kitchens. Livingston has sent well over 10,000 sandwiches since this big effort began and we are so proud of the generosity that continues to shine.