Press Release

PERTH AMBOY – The RARITAN BAY AREA YMCA, in Perth Amboy, NJ, is once again bringing partners together to assist the City’s most vulnerable population, the homeless.  Middlesex County Health Department, City of Perth Amboy, Cathedral International, and the YMCA provided one shot vaccinations to 150 homeless and or housing transient individuals.  Targeted outreach, education, and the elimination of barriers were part of the plan to safeguard those in need. 

“The first step to recovery is widespread vaccinations, prioritizing the most vulnerable populations,” stated Mayor Helmin Caba, City of Perth Amboy. “We need to ensure the vaccine is distributed to these populations and working with our community partners and Middlesex County is key for us.  Thank you to the Raritan Bay Area YMCA, the Cathedral International, and Middlesex County Health Department, for working with us to provide such life-saving services to our residents.”

“The homeless are a community within the community, however they don’t have the luxury to wash their hands, social distance, or afford masks.  During the winter, we often encounter small groups huddled for warmth and protection.  This combined with poor nutrition, hygiene, and no medical care is a recipe for disaster” stated Steve Jobin, CEO of the Raritan Bay Area YMCA.

Mr. Lou Seminski, Chairman of the YMCA Board of Directors, outlined “that our partners all worked very hard to eliminate barriers to getting the vaccine.  Things that most people take for granted, such as technology to pre-register, transportation to and from the distribution site, language barriers, having an email address or cell number or mailing address or even an ID.  The YMCA and Cathedral International are trusted voices within our community and we are using our relationships to engage and educate people as to the importance of being vaccinated.”

Middlesex County Health Department will administer the vaccine distribution in coordination with the City of Perth Amboy Emergency Management Services and the Department of Human Services.

For more information, please contact Steve Jobin at sjobin@rbaymca.org