SSE Children Assemble 100 Backpacks for Homeless Youth: New Jersey
Sai Spiritual Students Education (SSE) students from Scotch Plains and Central New Jersey helped to assemble 100 backpacks for homeless youth at Covenant House. The Covenant House provides comprehensive services to youth who have suffered homelessness, abuse, abandonment, and human trafficking, and ensuing emotional and mental health issues. Approximately 4.2 million youth experience homelessness every year, many of whom are people of color, queer or pregnant youth. According to a recent report by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, there was a record 18% rise in homelessness in the U.S. in the last year, driven by factors like lack of affordable housing, high inflation, systemic racism, natural disasters, and rising immigration.
Chitra Sabapathi, the project lead from the Central New Jersey Sai Group, said that members began in August 2024 to generously donate items such as calculators, scissors, permanent markers, ruled paper, pens, scotch tape, and notebooks. Sai Group members, including a very enthused group of SSE children, gathered together on a weekend in September 2024 to joyously fill each of the 100 backpacks with 20 items. Members had previously donated backpacks to the Covenant House, but this year, they made a special effort to get SSE students involved, and the results were indeed gratifying.
Aanya, a senior in Group 4, noted, “It was nice to put into action what we talk and learn about every Sunday. All these kids are people in our age group who are experiencing things that we never could imagine. It felt great to be able to make a small difference in their lives, even if it was just giving them tools to get through school.”
Tanuj, a 7th grader in Group 3, shared, “It was a great and fun opportunity to come together with others to all work as one towards a meaningful goal to make life better for others.”
Nabijah Shabazz, the Volunteer Coordinator at Covenant House, sent a thank you letter to Sai members thanking them for their most welcome and loving donations.
“On behalf of everyone at Covenant House New Jersey, we want to thank you for your incredible donation of 100 backpack kits filled with essential school supplies for our youth. Your thoughtful contribution of notebooks, folders, pens, highlighters, and more will make a tremendous difference in the lives of the young people we serve. These backpacks provide more than just supplies —they symbolize encouragement and support, reminding our youth that their goals and education are important and valued.
Thanks to your generosity, our residents at multiple Covenant House New Jersey locations are better equipped to pursue their educational and professional aspirations with confidence. Your kindness and commitment to our mission mean so much to us and to the youth who benefit directly from your support. Thank you for being such an integral part of our community and for making a tangible impact in the lives of those we serve.”
~ Nabijah Shabazz