February 23, 2023
At 61 years old, Raymond is trying to stay spry – and positive.
“I’ve got arthritis in both my knees,” he said. “But I try to work out when I can.”
After facing homelessness, Raymond recently moved into his own place – with a small gym in the complex.
He last worked in 2021, at a maintenance job in Jersey City, New Jersey. But because of his knees, he’s now on disability. And needs a little extra help with food.
“I get $96 per month in SNAP benefits,” he said. “And that helps.”
When his SNAP benefits (formerly food stamps) run out, he visits the St. James Social Service Corp. food pantry in Newark.
“I get fresh produce, chicken, fish and a lot more,” he said. “It helps to fill the gaps.”