In the never-ending fight to end homelessness, Hoboken officials unveiled a new instrument Tuesday -- homelessness donation meters scattered across the city.
Mayor Ravi Bhalla, who announced the program in September, said 100 percent of the donations collected by the eight meters will directly benefit Hoboken homelessness initiatives. The funds will be administered by the United Way.
The homeless population in Hudson County has hovered between 800 and 950 over the past five years, according to a homeless count coordinated annually by Monarch Housing Associates. Hoboken is home to the Hoboken Shelter, one of three permanent shelters in Hudson County.
Officials said the eight meters have been placed in strategic locations throughout the city.
"It's important to always lend a hand to those needing assistance, especially our homeless population," Bhalla said. "I'm thrilled these new donation meters will play a small part in helping fund homeless initiatives, including those of the Hoboken Shelter.
"This is one step forward for Hoboken addressing chronic homelessness, and I thank the Homelessness Task Force for all their hard work on addressing this critical issue."
The new donation meters, donated by IPS Group, Hudson Pride and Print Hoboken, are at the following locations:
Hudson Place (PATH); Newark and Hudson streets (Starbucks); Washington and First streets (City Hall); Washington and Third streets (McDonald's); Willow Avenue, between Third and Fourth streets (CarePoint); Fifth and Park avenues (Church Square Park, across from the public library); Madison and Tenth streets (ShopRite); Sinatra Drive North and 14th Street (14th Street ferry).
The meters currently accept credit cards as the primary method of payment. Residents and visitors can text "GIVE" to 201-733-4196 to donate directly to the Hoboken Shelter, and instructions for this texting option can be found on each meter. Every $2 donated to the Hoboken shelter funds one meal.