Mission Studies

IMAGINE — Bound Brook
(this is a series of documents)

Billian House

In 2009, the Bound Brook Presbyterian Church learned of the possibility that St.Paul’s Episcopal Church might be the recipient of a 150 year old house near Main Street in Bound Brook, donated by the Billian estate. Members of the two churches entered into negotiations to combine energies so that St. Paul’s could accept the donation of the house knowing that the Bound Brook Presbyterian Church would provide assistance as needed to renovate the facility. The Bound Brook Church has among its members an architect, general contractor, electrical contractor and plumber. The two churches have created a task force to plan and implement the renovations needed to transform an old house into office space and an education center. That task force has also met with Joyce Phipps, founder and director of Casa de Esperanza for her input and guidance as to how the renovations can create space that will most effectively serve the community. The renovation and subsequent operation of the Billian House will be a joint community ministry of the two churches, St Paul’s and the Presbyterian Church, Bound Brook.

(note: that God has set our sites elsewhere than the Billian property, the owner(s) accepted a last minute offer just prior to donating to the church)

Background:

As I looked back over the recent history of our church’s involvement with the immigrant community in and around Bound Brook, I was amazed at the extent to which concerns about immigrant advocacy have been a part of our church’s life and discussions over the past 15 years. Some of that history is presented here.

In its most recent history members of the Presbyterian Church, Bound Brook, have been involved in immigration issues since the flood of 1999, when the Presbyterian Church, Bound Brook, opened its doors for 10 days to about 250 evacuees. Even before that event, the Mission Commission had begun to look at ways that our church might reach out to the sizeable immigrant community living in Bound Brook and the surrounding area. One event that brought this to our members’ attention was the 1996 flood in downtown Bound Brook. Members of the Hispanic Community living in the downtown area of Bound Brook approached the church and asked if there was any help for persons who had to evacuate their homes. We were not set up to operate as a shelter at that time. Upon investigation by the Mission Outreach Commission, several members of the Mission Outreach Commission signed up to take a class with the American Red Cross that would enable our church to open as a Red Cross Shelter in the event of another flood creating the need for evacuation of persons living in the downtown area. When the downtown area flooded in September of 1999, we were able to open our facilities as a Red Cross Shelter because of the training members had received after the 1996 flood.

Our facilities were used for 10 days as a Red Cross Shelter. When the Red Cross made the decision to move the evacuees out to Hillsboro, several church member families opened their homes to evacuee families. In addition from contacts made during their stay in our facilities, some members of our church established ongoing relationships with other members of the Bound Brook Hispanic Community. Based on our involvement with the immigrant community, the Mission Outreach Commission dedicated $10,000 of its 2001 budget to establish Immigrant Advocacy Initiatives and such initiative were discussed on a regular basis in the commission. In one situation, church members advocated on behalf of an immigrant family in relation to the Bound Brook school district when questions were raised concerning the enrollment of their children in the district and helped remove a misunderstanding clarifying the family’s right to have their children enrolled in the district. Resulting from this situation, members of the Mission Outreach Commission met interim Superintendent of Schools, Bound Brook, to discuss the residency requirements of immigrants for attendance in the Bound Brook school system. In late 2001, Pastor Jose Vasquez approached an elder in the church to ask if it were possible to use some portion of the church for worship services for a fledgling Hispanic church. In conversations with the pastor, Lou Kilgore, and members of the session, approval was given to use the sanctuary on Saturday nights for the worship services of Casa del Banquete. Casa del Banquete began to worship in the sanctuary in January of 2002 with about 12-15 persons in attendance. Since then the church has grown to around 150 – 160 persons who worship on a regular basis on Saturday nights. For the use of the sanctuary and other rooms in the education building, Casa del Banquete makes a weekly contribution to the church.

Minutes from 2003, show that ongoing relationship had been established with El Centro ( a non-profit agency located in Plainfield, NJ, which provides affordable legal and other services to immigrants and refugees) to gain more information on immigration initiatives in which our church could be involved. Based on our relationship with El Centro, an arrangement was made, early in 2004, with Joyce Phipps, Esq., then at El Centro , to come to meet with members of Casa del Banquete to provide basic information on immigrant rights and, more specifically, on the new requirements of the New Jersey driver’s license, which had changed dramatically after 2001.

Also in late June of 2004, Joyce Phipps participated in our Sunday worship services and then led a discussion on immigration policy and its implications for New Jersey and the Bound Brook area. It was at this meeting that the immigration problems facing Vecky were brought to our attention as noted in the minutes of the Mission Commission: “ An Educational Forum on Immigration Issues was held on Sunday June 27, 2004 in the PFC. Those present heard from Vecky Goliath (from Indonesia, living in Plainfield) and Jose Vasquez (from Costa Rica, living in Bound Brook) concerning issues they face with respect to immigration. A date of October 24th has been set as the possible date for a meeting of members of the congregation interested in forming an Immigrant Advocacy Group. The plans are to meet with Joyce Phipps who will provide us with information necessary for the formation of such a group in the congregation.”

Minutes from a session meeting, September 24, 2004, show that session agreed to proceed to try to find space in our PFC (church school building) for Joyce Phipps to carry out her work with the immigrant community in the Central Jersey area . Joyce Phipps began to hold office hours at the church late in October of 2004.

Further developments took place when our church, as owners of the cemetery located across the street from the church, bought the property just north of the cemetery with the agreement that the owner could live in the property until his death, at which time the property would be developed for cemetery use. Upon the death of the owner, the “Prugh house” became available, since there was no need for additional land at the time for cemetery purposes. In late 2005, the session approved a one-year lease with Casa de Esperanza, from February 1, 2006 to January 31, 2007, at a the subsidized rent of $300 a month (Casa pays all utilities and for repairs inside the house). The lease agreement was subject to approval by the New Jersey Cemetery Board, which agreement was granted. The lease has been extended three times since then, once for two year. The lease agreement was most recently extended permitting Casa de Esperanza to rent the Prugh House until January 31, 2011, at a slight increase in rent, $400/month.

The last extension of the lease took place after considerable discussion since our cemetery committee was ready to move ahead with plans to develop the Prugh Property for cemetery purposes. Such development could only take place after the Prugh house was torn down. As part of this discussion, we were concerned about how to continue to support the very valuable ministry of Casa de Esperanza to immigrants and refugees in the Central New Jersey area. It seemed opportune that at a meeting of the ministers in the Bound Brook, South Bound Brook area, the interim pastor of St Paul’s Episcopal Church reported on the proposed donation of a house on the corner of Mountain Ave and High Street, which he indicated the church would turn down because it did not have the money to renovate it for use. Interim Pastor Brooks Smith asked him to hold off on turning it down and to come with a member or members of the church vestry (like our session) to meet with some members from our church to discuss possible uses of the house and how the two churches might cooperate to bring about a joint ministry to support the continued efforts of Casa de Esperanza.

Renovations and Funding

As a result of our ongoing discussions, we formed two committees, a renovation committee and a grants committee. The committees are made up of members from both churches. The renovation committee members (persons experienced in construction, electrical work, plumbing and design) have walked through the house a couple of times and, after the last walk through, met to discuss the plans for renovation so that the building would be a suitable place to provide the legal services offered by Casa de Esperanza. The renovation committee determined that the basic structure of the house is sound but that considerable renovation is needed to make it suitable for use by Casa de Esperanza. A detailed list of renovations needed and the projected costs of those renovations has been prepared by Dave Costain, with input from Vic Holmlund for the electrical renovations needed, and is attached.

Applications are being made ( by the Presbyterian Church, Bound Brook) for funding from: the Tapestry Fund ($10,000); the Hyde-Watson Foundation ( St Paul’s Episcopal Church as owner of the building, $20,000); the Episcopal Church’s United Thank Offering; the Gannet Foundation, by Casa de Esperanza, as a nonprofit organization; and a local nonprofit organization.

As part of our commitment to the continuation of the work of Casa de Esperanza, the session of the Presbyterian Church will be asked to provide an interest free loan to cover any amount not funded by grants. The loan will be repaid out of the money collected in rent from Casa de Esperanza. The cost of renovations will reflect the cost as if outside contractors and workers were hired to do all of the work. The actual cost of the renovations will reflect the considerable amount of volunteer efforts on the part of members of three churches ( St Paul’s, Presbyterian, and Casa del Banquete). There is also the possibility that our volunteer efforts will be supported by members of the Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church with whom we participate in Appalachian Service Projects.

Hosting flood victims at BBPC

Bound Brook Presbyterian has hosted victims of flooding when Hurricane Floyd struck in 1999 and again in 2007 when a nor’easter flooded downtown Bound Brook.

In each instance, the church Session acted quickly to first mobilize the congregation and later work with various agencies including the Red Cross to meet the immediate and long term needs of the community.

The nor’easter in 2007 is a compelling example of the focus and dedication of our congregation.

Our sanctuary was ‘closed’ for renovations when the storm hit. We suspended worship and set up a relief center in the gymnasium where we had been having worship services. Nancy Frey, Session liason, chronicled the several weeks when as many as 180 displaced flood victims lived in the Bound Brook Presbyterian church.

Congregants cooked meals and set up a ‘store’ where clothing, diapers, blankets and other necessities were provided victims of the flood.

In the weeks after the flood, our gymnasium celebrated the birth of a child, a quincianera and a wedding.

In part as a result of the work of Nancy, the Red Cross and the session, the Somerset Area Disaster Recovery Committee was formed. This committee includes other area churches and social service agencies. The support of this committee helped finance the construction of a first floor bathroom for a quadriplegic flood victim, mold repairs to another apartment and furniture for other victims.

Bound Brook Presbyterian’s Session and congregation reacted immediately to a community crisis and is now even better prepared should our help be needed in the future.

FISH Hospitality

The FISH Hospitality program is a member of the Interfaith Hospitality Network serving homeless families in Middlesex, Somerset and Union counties.

Our congregation began supporting the program in the 1990’s and has been a regular host of temporarily homeless families since 2002. 4 or 5 times each year, the program sends as many as 14 guests to stay in our church for a week. As a night host, we provide evening meals for our guests and volunteers from the congregation host throughout the evening and overnight.

Our church needs to provide 40 to 50 volunteers to support hospitality guests for 7 days. Many of our congregants volunteer regularly and bring their families to cook dinner or socialize with our guests throughout the evening. Some of our youth have become friends with the children of our guests, and laughter is frequently heard in the ‘cave’ where we host hospitality.

Bound Brook Presbyterian has become a favorite host church for guests of FISH Hospitality. Our ‘cave’ is not the most lavish accommodation, but the caring and warmth of our congregation provides plenty of comfort for our guests.

FISH Hospitality is a significant part of Bound Brook Presbyterian’s mission. The Deacons and Session actively support this program, and program coordinators have helped grow and encourage enthusiastic volunteers.

SADRC: From Sheltering to Somerset Area Disaster Recovery Committee

When the Spring Nor-Easter hit us in 2007, the church knew what to do—we had been trained by our years hosting the Hospitality Network and by Hurricane Floyd. The congregation swung into action, opened its doors and fed and sheltered people. Each organization connected with the church responded, and the community supported us in every way. Church staff and volunteers led and worked unceasingly, and the BBPC formed partnerships with The Greater Somerset Red Cross, the Somerset County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (SCVOAD), and the Casa de Esperanza. We all worked together to house, shelter, console and minister to members of the communities affected by the flooding of the Raritan River.

The church volunteers prepared, cooked, served and cleaned up breakfast, lunch, dinner and packed lunches for shelter residents who were able to continue working at their jobs. Many in the community also ate their meals at the church as their power and utilities had been turned off. Love and great cooking went into each serving, and church members spent time at the tables set up in the gymnasium talking to those eating their meals. Church members oversaw the health and wellbeing of the shelter residents, and young mothers and congregation nurses spent time building parenting skills.

Each day a “town meeting” pulled inhabitants together and we gave updates on the disaster recovery in English and Spanish. Bulletin boards of opportunities and resources helped people plan, and a round table of emergency literature in English and Spanish was added to by the organizations that are members of SCVOAD. Members transported residents to doctors or coordinated with local ambulance squads.

The BBPC set up a donations hot line for funds and for needed items like pampers and cleaning supplies, but knew from experience to avoid clothing and toys: storage of donations like that would have eliminated space to house people! Members staffed the donations table.

A volunteer table and church volunteer coordinator were able to take full advantage of the generous community surrounding the flooded area, and churches provided meals, cleaning, child programming and countless other labors such as night time presence in each of the shelter buildings.

The church transitioned to Red Cross management in order to reinforce resources for the longer term. Red Cross then provided staff, meals and oversight cooperating and appreciating the many church and community volunteers who filled the shelter with a spirit of love and sanctuary. As other shelters closed, people moved to our church. As many as 180 were housed, including many frail elderly and newborns, and three events of great rejoicing occurred: a baby was born, a marriage was performed and a quinciañera was celebrated.

When the flood hit we had been in the process of restoring the sanctuary. We and Casa del banquete had been using the gymnasium as the sanctuary, and the church parlor and sanctuary were hard hat areas. A more timid Session would have blanched at the idea of opening our doors to the displaced community, but BBPC did not hesitate. Within a few hours the “Sanctuarium” was converted into a dining room, a store, a meeting room and command central for the shelter. Every other space in the church housed people, including the choir loft and the staff offices.

The weeks of working in tandem with the Red Cross forged a new approach to sheltering (or ‘mass care’ as disaster organizations refer to it.) The Red Cross demonstrated flexibility and appreciation for the successful work of the congregation. We knew we could sustain an arduous long term effort with Red Cross volunteers, financial and logistic support.

Because The Red Cross provided reimbursement or replacement for all our expenses and losses as a result of the shelter we were able to free up the donations we had received to help families directly in their recovery efforts. The church became a founding organization of Somerset Area Disaster Recovery Committee. The organization housing the protocols, finances and staffing is the New Jersey Interfaith Partnership for Disaster Recovery (SADRC.)

The Somerset Area Disaster Recovery Committee is a voluntary association of entities involved in relief, recovery, rebuilding and community development associated with the April 2007 Disaster. The SADRC elects a Chair, Vice-Chair and Secretary from its membership to facilitate the meetings. Participants in the SADRC include:

• Disaster relief organizations
• Faith-based organizations
• Fund raising organizations
• Governmental entities
• Service agencies

The current participants in the SADRC are:

American Red Cross (Greater Somerset Co. Chapter)

Bound Brook-Middlesex Rotary

Casa de Esperanza

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen

New Jersey Interfaith Partnership for Disaster Recovery

Salvation Army

Somerset Co. Board of Social Services

Somerset Co. Office on Aging

Legal Services of Northwest Jersey

Somerset County United Way

Congregational Church of Bound Brook

Presbyterian Church of Bound Brook

St. Paul ’s Episcopal Church

The SADRC met monthly through the first year after the flood and meets now as needed, providing financial support to families in their struggles to recover. Because of SADRC and BBPC one family was able to build a first floor bathroom for their quadriplegic son, enabling the mother to obtain caregiving help. Another family was able to resettle in a house uncontaminated by mold. A man whose landscaping equipment was ruined was able to purchase new equipment. Furniture and appliances have been provided. Rental assistance and security deposits have gotten some families through a tough financial time.

The challenge of ministering to a community affected by a major disaster is that the impact persists for years. The financial losses to people on the margins can be crippling. Businesses can fail or be compromised and people laid off. The loss of the sense of security can challenge the emotional health and mental health of whole families. But having a partnership with other caring organizations allows the BBPC to provide practical assistance.

The Session has adopted a plan of response for disaster and works with the SCOAD, county, borough and the Red Cross when disaster threatens. The powerful experience of providing help in time of disaster fulfills our spirit and sustains our faith.