Eva’s Village, (http://www.evasvillage.org) , Paterson, NJ, reports an increase in the numbers of homeless and working poor seeking primary medical and dental care at their homeless healthcare clinic. Eva’s Village is actively seeking charitable donations to support healthcare for the homeless during the current economic crisis.

Paterson, NJ (PRWEB) April 28, 2009 Eva’s Village, Paterson, NJ, Eva’s Village primary care medical and dental clinic provides healthcare for the homeless to more than 4,000 patient visits each year.”

Paterson is one of New Jersey’s poorest cities. Homelessness and healthcare for the homeless is a growing problem in the city in the best of times and even more so during the current economic crisis. In 2005, more than 24% of Paterson’s residents already lived below the poverty line and compared to the state of New Jersey overall, Paterson households earn nearly $23,000 less than their fellow citizens. Paterson’s unemployment rate has consistently been 3-4% higher than the state of New Jersey overall, which as of March 2009 was 8.3%.

Eva’s Village, located in the heart of Paterson, at 393 Main Street, has been a source of food, shelter, recovery services and healthcare for the homeless in Paterson New Jersey for more than 25 years. Sister Gloria Perez, Executive Director of Eva’s Village says, “Many of the homeless are more concerned with meeting their immediate needs for food and shelter than with seeking healthcare, but during the past several months, we are providing more service to the uninsured working poor seeking medical and dental care.” Sister Gloria explains that the working poor include those working minimum wage jobs or multiple below-minimum wage jobs who still cannot make ends meet.

In a Commonwealth Fund, national telephone survey (2007), it was shown that there has been a sharp increase in the number of underinsured people. Those with household incomes below 200 percent of poverty were more likely to be uninsured or underinsured (72%) compared to higher income adults (27%). African Americans and Hispanics are more likely than whites to be uninsured or underinsured.

Lack of health insurance compromises the health of the uninsured because they receive less preventive care, are diagnosed at more advanced disease stages, and once diagnosed, tend to receive less therapeutic care and have higher mortality rates than insured individuals. As health related issues push more New Jersey citizens into poverty, healthcare for the homeless becomes a growing concern.

Eva’s Primary Care Clinic is one of only five truly free primary care clinics providing healthcare for the homeless in the state of New Jersey that does not charge patients for its services. The Clinic is staffed by a Medical Director, eight volunteer Nurse Practitioners/nurses, volunteer dentists and volunteer podiatrists. It offers an array of homeless healthcare services including basic screening and assessment, primary care, dental care, immunizations, routine acute care, medication monitoring, referral, and follow-up.

Eva’s Free Dental Care Clinic opened in 2002 under the leadership of Dr. Brian Ullmann to offer compassionate, free dental care as critical primary healthcare for the homeless. The Clinic’s volunteer staff offers a range of services including emergency and preventive care, diagnosis and restoration, root canals, partial and complete dentures, and oral surgery. Sister Gloria says, “Many of our clients have not seen a dentist for more than 30 years. As part of our homeless healthcare, we are able to provide them with a new smile, giving them health, hope, dignity and an appearance appropriate for job interviews.”

Funding of the Eva’s Village homeless healthcare clinic is dependent on foundation/corporate grants and private charitable donations, both of which are jeopardized by the current economic crisis in New Jersey. Eva’s Village is actively seeking charitable contributions to help support their clinic, including funding, equipment, medications and other supplies.

Eva’s Village continues to dream of expanding their comprehensive anti-poverty programs, including: thousands of meals provided by Eva’s Kitchen to the poor, Eva’s Village shelter residents, residential addiction treatment clients, new Hope Residence of St. Frances for Women and Children (created to assist mothers more commonly required to give up their children to foster care), Eva’s Medical and Dental Clinic, Eva’s Job Readiness Center, and soon, fifty units of affordable housing. A new larger clinic is in the sites for a future expansion.

Donna Marie Fico, Chief Marketing Office at Eva’s Village, cites the support of private charitable foundations, New Jersey businesses/corporations and thousands of dedicated private donors as encouragement. Ms. Fico says, “It is not only important to ask for increased help, but to let donors know that Eva’s Village acts responsibly so their money makes a significant difference in healthcare for the homeless. She reports that as one of the most respected, progressive and effective anti-poverty organizations in the state of New Jersey, Eva’s Village receives high marks for efficiency, including a Four-Star rating by Charity Navigator indicating that Eva’s Village “Exceeds industry standards and outperforms most charities in its Cause” (Charity Navigator).

For more information on the healthcare for the homeless provided by the Eva’s Village primary care medical and dental clinic and the many other programs provided by Eva’s Village, email Donna Fico, Chief Marketing Officer at Donna.Fico (at) evasvillage (dot) org or call (973) 523-6220 Ext. 230.

Originally a New Jersey soup kitchen, Eva’s Village was founded in 1982 by Msgr. Vincent E. Puma in response to the increasing incidence of homelessness in his Paterson, NJ parish. But Msgr. Puma soon realized that a soup kitchen was not enough. With the generous support of thousands of donors and private and government grants, Eva’s has grown into the most respected anti-poverty program in New Jersey, with a four-star (maximum) rating by Charity Navigator, an independent non-profit monitor.

Donate to Eva’s Village NJ Charity or for more information, go to http://www.evasvillage.org call 973.523.6220, email Donna.Fico (at) evasvillage (dot) org or write to: Donna Fico, Chief Marketing Officer, Eva’s Village, 393 Main Street, Paterson, NJ, 07501.