In Newark, the city is working to update an ordinance that could impact where and how homeless people get their next meal. Unlicensed agencies would need permits in order to provide meals to homeless people and would be prohibited from handing out food in public areas, like parks and the train station. The city wants to make sure that the food handed out is safe but some homeless people say they’d prefer not to go to soup kitchens for a meal.
Newark to require permits to feed homeless people
It would also be prohibited to hand out food in public areas
Correspondent
Raven Santana is an award-winning journalist with a passion for serving New Jersey’s diverse communities and a highly respected member of her own. Santana has served as correspondent/sub-anchor for NJ Spotlight News since 2018. She’s reported on the state’s business climate, health care issues, undocumented workers legislation and more. She also hosts New Jersey Business Beat with Raven Santana on NJ PBS. The first woman of color in that role, she has made it a mission to focus on often-overlooked aspects of business, from BIPOC ownership to gaps in equity and inclusion. Her recent accolades include being recognized in 2023 as part of COLOR Magazine's Power 40 Under 40 list, and in Perth Amboy Free Public Library’s 2nd Annual Women’s History Month Celebration, where she received a mayoral citation and the NJ Senate/General Assembly presented her with a Joint Legislative Resolution. She also serves on The WNET Group’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion council and is vice president of The Second Street Youth Center, based in Plainfield.