The Supreme Master Ching Hai
By New Jersey Relief Team (Originally in English)
In 2007, the Superior Court of New Jersey endorsed the use of a four-acre parcel of public land in Lakewood, New Jersey for the construction of Tent City, a community of homeless and/or low-income individuals. Started by Pastor Steve Brigham, who is also in charge of day-to-day operations, Tent City was designed to provide shelter to those still in need after other local facilities became filled to capacity.
Upon hearing of this thoughtful initiative, Supreme Master Ching Hai lovingly responded and and requested our local Association members provide assistance to Tent City. Master contributed US$4,157.70 for reimbursement for supplies purchased by our Association members for the project.
A team of our Association members from New Jersey contacted Pastor Steve on December 8, 2012, and conveyed Master’s message of compassion and concern. Thankful for Master’s unconditional and timely help, Pastor Steve provided a list of urgently needed supplies for the shelter’s 80 occupants. These included six cast-iron stoves, a wheelbarrow, 20 solar garden lights and 80 warm jackets.
Pastor Steve also spoke of Tent City’s planned improvements, including structures called “building pods” that would provide the residents with more comfortable accommodations. These pods, which are more energy-efficient than tents as they prevent heat loss in cold winters, have foundations made of wood from trees uprooted by storms and donated by a tree-service company.
On December 15, a pre-Christmas buffet of delicious plant-based dishes prepared by our Association members was delivered to Tent City. Everyone cheerfully partook in the delicious feast, with many expressing their interest in veganism. After the meal, hooded jackets were distributed to the residents, and the people of Tent City expressed their gratitude for the warmth, kindness and love. Upon Pastor Steve’s subsequent request, another three wheelbarrows and a 220-volt generator were contributed to meet the facility’s immediate needs.
Our Association members are deeply grateful to Master for Her love, compassion, and generosity. We also thankful to the Superior Court of New Jersey for providing this space to shelter and care for homeless individuals, and to Pastor Steve and his staff for their tireless work on behalf of Tent City’s residents.
For more information on Pastor Brigham and Tent City, please access: http://tentcitynj.org
Expenditures by Supreme Master Ching Hai
for Cold Weather Relief Work in New Jersey, USA
| Description | Amount (USD) | Receipt |
|---|---|---|
| Hooded jackets, wheel barrows, stoves, a generator, solar garden lights and cords | 3,771.55 | A |
| Vegan food, drinking water and a banner | 386.15 | B |
| Total | US$4,157.70 |
Throughout the relief operation, the team members paid for their own transportation, food and accommodations.
