adminIn April 2020, Volunteers of America (VOA) outreach workers Sherrise Hoskins and Almeen Palmer intervened in an attempted sexual assault involving a 61-year-old woman experiencing homelessness in Atlantic City. Their actions not only led to the arrest of the assailant but also shed light on the challenges faced by the homeless community. Hoskins remarked, “We talk to her all the time. She doesn’t really ask for help. If you try to give her stuff, she won’t really take it.”
This incident has sparked broader conversations about homelessness in Atlantic City. In response, the city launched the Hope Work Initiative in November 2024, providing temporary employment to individuals experiencing homelessness. Participants work in various public works departments, earning $75 a day, with the potential for permanent employment upon successful completion of the program.
These efforts highlight the importance of community intervention and comprehensive programs in addressing the complex issue of homelessness.
