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William Perlman / The Star-Ledger
Richard J. Codey is made up to be a homeless man by Michele Spooner, make artist of Zee Cosmetics.
Former New Jersey Gov. Richard Codey spends a night disguised as a homeless man. WNBC's Brian Thompson reports.
Former New Jersey Gov. Richard Codey went undercover earlier this week and disguised himself as a homeless person on the streets of Newark, New Jersey's largest city.
"To find a place to take you if you were homeless was impossible, essentially," Codey said.
Most shelters in Newark require applicants to be on government assistance, or at least have an official ID.
For more, visit NBCNewYork.com
After having trouble finding shelter, Codey, who is now a state senator, turned to a resource most homeless people don't have -- a personal connection with the Mental Health Association of Essex County.
The connection put him in touch with case worker Ross Croesmann, who places homeless people in shelters and was able to get Codey into the Goodwill Rescue Mission in downtown Newark at about 9 p.m.
The former governor, who filled the office in 2004 and 2005 after Jim McGreevey resigned in disgrace, has championed the cause of the mentally ill for decades, beginning when he was a state senator.
On Monday night, after an hourlong makeup session to make him unrecognizable, Codey assumed the role of Jimmy Peters, a mentally ill individual who had just been released from the psychiatric ward of a local hospital. (To see the full transformation, here's a Star-Ledger photo essay.)
Croesmann could only get Codey into the shelter for one night, and a telephone survey of other homeless shelters found them even more difficult to get in, according to Codey.
"Sometimes you get in, sometimes you don't," said Bob Davison, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Essex County.
Both Davison and Codey said there are more mentally ill out on the street than institutionalized, after recent cutbacks at both state psychiatric hospitals and in the psychiatric wards at community hospitals.
At the Goodwill Rescue Mission, Codey said he was one of about 20 homeless who slept on bedrolls on the floor of the chapel.
"For me it was tough, I sleep on my side so by 3 a.m. my hip was hurting," Codey said.
Codey, who went undercover as a worker in one state mental hospital and, as governor, slept overnight at another, left later in the morning to return to his life as a state senator.
But he said he will not forget the mentally ill homeless he left behind and will continue to urge the governor and state legislature to find more and better housing for them.
More content from msnbc.com and NBC News
Leave a Comment:
Actually Codey never looked so good. LOL.
mike anybody can be foolish, try something that looks good on you. it's a serious cause. wise up.
Kudos to Codey! While we rhetorically speak about cutting social services, we need people like former governor Codey to show us what that means. Extreme poverty has risen sharply in the US.
Vote Dem in 2012 - we need to help each other before we need a war in Iran!
If you listen to all the Republican candidates they are itching to start a new fight and spend more lives and money!
Vote!!! Only you can prevent stupid!
Maybe Romney should try this. So he will get an idea of what real poverty feels like. And how bad things can get when you actually do get a pink slip.
I liked Codey as governor. I hope he'll have another shot at the job if he wants it.
this is the kind of guy i wish we could have in office as president. i doubt this was some political stunt being he has been doing this type of thing for years, and actually taking SOME kind of action, vs podium smoke up the a$$ meeting people attend to support their favorite idiot, umm mean candidate for president. (no, candi-date was not mispelled, as i call my foreman a candi-muffin, is what it is) Seriously, the toon in office now has done nothing for American's at any point, nor has any of these candidtes EVER taken a firm stance in anything remotely close to what it takes to make America spin back into recovery, because they have no desire to see change in office until the office its self is regulated. i mean seriously, who the heck is making out hand over fist over every crisis in this flailing ecomonic crap? Just the ones making the rules are the ones, and as long as they KEEP making the rules, that benifit them only it will be like this.
we need to take the big $ sign out of being in office, period! until then exsect the same underhanded crap we have seen in the past 20+some years. The toon now wouldnt suprise me in the least if he went on into acting after his carreer of wrecking the nation has been ended.
and also maybe if the Dems gave more to charity like the Repubs do we could get some things done
@Steve-2570999: Vote Dem? Are you drunk, high, or just dumb as a bag of hammers?
It is more important for our federal government to build nations such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan and send foreign aid for countries to purchase military hardware instead of taking care of Americans first. I have a real problem with this scenario.
Voting for parties and not people is what continues the nation's troubles. I don't care which political party Gov. Codey is part of, I'd vote for him for president. This was a leadership action. He went in deep and understood the problem. He raised awareness of issues he cares about. A leader with passion for an issue and a legitimate, strong moral foundation performs acts such as this. A politician stands in front of a podium and tries to convince you they care about an issue. Then the politician feeds you the line you want to hear. We've been electing too many politicians and not enough leaders. And it's about time we started differentiating between the two.
It was ME who first thought to go undercover as mentally ill and homeless some twenty years ago, and I am still undercover. Nobody has even questioned it. And I'm staying undercover until the aliens get off our planet.
LOL steve. I see that NJ requires an official ID. Aren't dempcrats against ID's?
nice to see that u are concerned about your fellow human beings.. and u are compassionate
Steve-2570999
You do know that there is a candidate called Ron Paul who has been against war with Iran and even Iraq from day one right?
Recall that in late july 2007 Obama was already threatening military action with Iran. How clueless people like you ignore the facts and truth. Even before he was President he was talking tough.
Maybe we will see Mr. Obama posing as a Welfare Recipient, along with his Czars and Liberal Cabinet members, AFTER he is voted out of office and everyone has PAID their back IRS taxes.
Yep, so much for the 1 per-centers.
hipster, got the message across..walk a little bit in some one elses path, makes U appreciate what U got......
You're so right? Why vote Dem when you could vote for intellectual heavyweights like Cain, Trump, Bachmann, Palin and Santorum? When you could vote for a candidate like Romney that few like because you hate his opponent more?
Vote Dem? When I could just get a simple frontal lobotomy (or listen to a few hundred hours of Limbaugh) and be happy as a GOP'er or Teabagger?
uhhh for all of you ranting against democrats and President Obama while falsely praising republicans for charity... Codey IS a Democrat. Charitable republicans... lol... no such thing.
Give as much money to charity as you like. In the meantime the rest of us would rather have America's sucking chest wound stitched closed.
You'll have to excuse Mike he's been doing too much crotch sniffing and it's affecting his thought process.
Jon Corzine should take Codey's place permanently.
I"m sure he has already bought a few to be homeless for him.
I vote purely party now because every single thing I have heard come out of republicans mouth ifuriates me and fills me with so much rage that if they do win majorities I will have no choice but to start thinking civil war is the only answer.
I seriously can only think of maybe 2 or 3 half way decent ideas coming from rpeublicans in the last 12 years.
So people can preach about voting party only, but the fact is the entire right wing party is in lock step with a loser agenda and they need to be punished for even pushing that insane agenda.
The saddest part is I would love to have a choice, but the far right wing has forced my hands, I will not vote for any candidate who places and (R) next to their name for many many years. The entire party is INSANE. When republicans move back to the center and act like they care about America and Americans then and only then will I start to consider a republican as a viable option.
Limbaughs, Beck's, Palin's, Couter's, Bachman's, Perry's, Newt's, Romney's, Santorum's, Cain's are the reason I refuse ot even consier a republicans. throw Grover Nordquist's and Walker's and Christie's and I would rather fight a war against such IDIOTS
Thank you for saying it better than me Pragmatic.
Since I have been alive I have yet to have one Presidential experience which did not include war, police actions, or killing of others. I have NEVER gotten to see real leadership or leaders. You know, the kind that would enhance life, save lives, and give instead of take. I am starting to think that our problems are created by politicians wanting to stay in business by creating their business regardless of what we the people need and want. Leaders are really scarce and this ex-Governor has out shame on the face of politicians by being a leader. Wanting to see for himself what people NEED.
O how I wish Presidents Obama, Netanyahua and Ahmadinejad, would surprise the World and become willing to really resolve their issues without spilling young blood. You know the blood all fathers want to protect. I want to see leadership and not posturing. That would be such a historical twist.
US diplomat & Democratic politician (1924 - )
Actually, they did a poll saying that the majority of giving is more likely to come from religious conservatives rather than secular liberals, and that those who support the decision that the govt. should redistribute the wealth are the ones least likely to dig into their own pockets.
Shut out of editing prior to finish writing. To protect country but NEVER to ensure entitlements, rights, and resources are my words and should not be misconstrued with Pres. Carter's quote above his name.
'has out shame' should be 'has put shame'.
Sure, its called put your money where your mouth is, I give and I don't have a job, I bet NO Republican does that, I alway give to the Homeless and I'm not talking only on Christmas, We are not talkin about Corporate handouts, with other peoples money ..
All politicians, and I do mean ALL of them, should be REQUIRED to be homeless for at least ONE FULL YEAR before they start their campaign to get elected. And any of them later found to have used "connections" not available to anyone else to make things easier should be summarily booted straight back into being homeless.
The first ones to become homeless: Palin, Bachmann, Santorum, Romney, Paul, LIMBAUGH, and ALL other politicians who loudly proclaim themselves to be "caring, compassionate" people -- while requiring everyone else to be 100% self-sufficient.
Congratulations to former Governor Cody. He took the time and trouble to see what it is like to live on the streets. I strongly urge his detractors to also spend some time (say two weeks) living on the streets and struggling to find a temporary place to stay in order to shower, change clothes, have a decent meal and have a bed to sleep in.
I live in Los Angeles, CA and the homeless problem in downtown Los Angeles and surrounding areas has tripled since the Republicans and other conservatives including members of the Tea Party have succeeded in cutting those programs including education and low income programs that are designed to give a person a hand up not a handout.
I am looking for candidates that support full funding for education including job training, healthcare especially HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs and low income housing that are built in safe and clean neighborhoods, in addition to places like Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles.
The idea that Republicans are conservative (meaning do not like to spend on needless things) IS A GOP LIE. They just spend on wars and Rich corporations. Now on the other hand the DEMS seem to like Big Union and handouts to people who do not need it.
But I would rather have tax money go to Americans who do not need it than. Other Nations and Corporations that send jobs to China And India. Via tax breaks. Heck at least the welfare people unwisely spend IN AMERICA.
Now for the actual article. This is a good thing for someone to do. We do abandon people in this country far to often. And liberals tend to be more Christ Like than Republicans who say they are Christ Like. I wonder if they actually know what Christ was like? You know Honor thy Mother and Father. Meaning show some class and be a Better person than they were. Love thy Neighbor meaning even if they are different in religion or race. Even if they have a different sexual preference.They are still a child of God. Deserving the same respect we think we do.
Or turn the other cheek. Like when someone is doing something hurtful forgive them anyway. Not for them but for yourself. Hell I understand all this and am not even a Christian. We as a people have no clue as to what mental illness does to people. I fight everyday with it. And do what is needed to maintain it. And I know I am a lucky one that has help. i wish everyone had help.
Rick: I do that all the time and I vote Republican. Some of the charities I give to the most are Feeding America, National Veterans Foundation, Susan B. Komen, and St. Jude. And no, this doesn't occur only at Christmas( in which case then I give to the Salvation Army). I think the media has corrupted your mind to think that all republicans are greedy and that all democrats are generous.
I don't know where you live, but here in NY, its the democrats that are the most greedy, especially those that are in office. They claim it is done for the poor, but you can see by their lifestyles that they are willing to take other people's money to give to the poor, but their own contributions still have a lot to be desired. Compared to what they make, they are only giving a small percentage.
Actually, Unhappy-1583758, "they" did another poll which shows that people who happen to have a lot of money tend to give more money to charity than people who do not have a lot of money. Oh, and in this poll, "they" also found that the amount given to charity depends on THE PERCENTAGE OF INCOME that a person can afford to give.
I'm not a Right-wing Republican Tea-Tagger Conservative, but I do donate to a few charities WHEN I AM ABLE TO AFFORD TO DO SO. Hey, I have to pay ALL of my bills on the $12,000-a-year income I get. Let's see them Right-wing Republican Tea-Tagger Conservatives live on $12,000 a year.
Republicans are more charitable than Democrats just check it out yourself.
I don't know why folks are so upset with what Mikey said (first post, see it and read it). The guy really does look a helluva lot better than all the "caring and compassionate" politicos who spend less than three hours a year "working" in a soup kitchen -- and then tell us all that we just need to "get a job".
I didn't realize charity was a one upsmanship contest to see who can be the most generous.
stormerF, I think you been watching too much o' Glenn Beck and list'nin' to too much Rush Limbaugh. Your statement is exactly the same as "Christians care more about others than Jews do" or "water is colder than dirt".
Republicans WITH MORE MONEY give more money to charities than Democrats WITH LESS MONEY. Of, course, they also give more than ANYONE who 'happens" to not have as much money to give, but why let the truth get in the way of your "facts"?
Lets take a bed that could of gone to someone that actually needed it; great idea democrats.
Or the compassionate conservatives who donate $1000 to their church only to vote against children's healthcare?
@stoopid,
That's funny!
Leaders do not exist. Politicians are way to greedy to allow a leader to lead. If a leader dared to step up to the plate she would be toast.
Thank you Jesus! there is someone in high office who finally cares about the plight of the poor, and down trotten. God is pleased with the former Governer.
I fully agree. This guy deserves a lot of respect. Hats off to you, Governor!
What did Jesus do to help the situation? Geez!
He inspired Cody to do this exercise because he is a church follower and realizes the poor need help.
Thank the Governor, HE"S THE ONE THAT WENT OUT THERE. puh_leeze.
be a BELIEVER !!,,Not a Mischiever !!......
All governors should be forced to do this so they can thank their newly homeless & jobless constituents for their support in electing them.
Actually, what_the_81, every political figure should put themselves in the shoes of the less fortunate. Especially members of congress who continue to try and destroy the country for their own benefit.
chenz66, Jesus never inspired me to help others. I do it because I want to -- and it needs to be done. p.s., I ain't a "church follower", unless you want to call a non-religious person who ain't been to any formal worship service inside some man-made building called a "church" for more than 15 years a "church follower".
That's right, I don't need some preacher telling me what/when/how to believe anything.
Amen to that.
This will not change a thing. More show and tell by Codey.
What did you learn from this Guv? "For me it was tough, I sleep on my side so by 3 a.m. my hip was hurting," Codey said. " And he had to sleep by himself alone on the floor? Well roll over Gov. and sleep on your back you know how to do that.
How many old time Nam vets did you meet while on the streets for the three cold months you were there? How many vets from the more recent "conflicts" in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Hard to find a place to sleep in NJ? What are the tax-free churches doing with all the money they bring in every Sunday? Where are their shelters? Where is Catholic Charities in NJ they generally do more than most groups along with Jewish Charities?
Maybe YOU should get your political heroes to put up then, MrCool. If you are not willing to do so, then please shut up.
God Bless this man for being real and seeing the light of the other side.
@The Quacked One. A non-religious read of Romans basically says that you are judged on your actions not on Church affiliation. In essenence saying that religious people who are hypocrates are as bad as non-believers and that people who do the right thing wheter they believe or not are holy.
Likely busy spending that money on defense attorneys for all their priests who have been caught kiddy fiddling.
I do not know much about the Mormon church except they require new members go on missions somewhere to help the less fortunate........That should also be a requirement for all newly elected state legislators, governors and members of Gongress, a 10 day mission helping the less fortunate.
ELLIS..... they do not go on a mission to help the less fortunate...the mormons go to convert and only convert....in California we see the missionaries of the Mormon church go door to door in well off areas.....on their bikes..they have to ride bikes?
Why can't Codey run for president? We need a benevolent man like that in office.
Speaking of ex NJ governors, put Obama's good buddy, Jon Corzine out there and see how he fares.
Better yet, why don't you put any single one of the GOP's stooge candidates out there and see how they do?
Or is getting off your ass on behalf of the poor and downtrodden strictly the job of democrats?
Corzine's thievery very well might have made some homeless. It would befit him to be living on the streets, after prison.
Corzine is going to end up homeless when he goes to the pen!!!!!
Corzine definitely came to my mind when thinking of someone that deserves to be homeless!
@Chris-735081, any of the GOP candidates would do fine on the street. They all have the skills and knowledge to survive, find food and find or build shelter. Obama? The only knowledge he has about the streets is how and where to score crack. And he unashamedly claims he did inhale. Obama is not only the first black president, he's the first former drug addict president.
@ Better Right Than Wrong
You are incorrect. He is merely the first one who admits it. Grant was reported to be an alcoholic, "W" had issues with cocaine use and alcohol which were downplayed. These are not the only leaders of our country to have substance use / abuse issues. Still others gave in to more carnal urges becoming more sexually active with women other than their wives due to the pressures of the office.
Do not blame either party----Remember the GOP currently has a house in G-town where they live frat house style spouting religion while reportedly engaging in peccadillos.
My suggestion is U. S. History POST Revolutionary War
I honestly believe that most of the republicans in congress would become progressive democrats if they lived the life of the truly poor and unfortunate for one week. Much of the GOP platform seems to be based on the belief that laziness is the only reason someone might be poor. If they actually SAW and LIVED that life for a time I think they would see how wrong that assumption really is.
@betterrightthanwrong
Cody is a Dem!!! Which one of the Reps - names please? Can we hold them up to your esteem?
Stop talking out your a**
Funny how many say the GOP are rich, but remember this, of the top 10 richest elected officials in DC, 7 are Democrats(Harman, Kerry, Warner, Kohl, Polis, Pelosi, Rockerfeller), and 3 are Republicans(Issa, McCaul, Buchanan). And that is based on 2010 campaign filings(the last available)
None of the people above give a flying @!$%# about the middle class and poor. Hell there is not an elected official in DC that is worth less than $1 million. If they really cared about the middle class, all those millionaire elected officials would have NEVER ACCEPTED the Bush Tax cuts of 2001 and 2003. And remember this, John Kerry, when he bought a multi million dollar yacht, he had it registered in another state to AVOID PAYING THE HIGHER MASSACHUSETTS TAXES ON IT. When caught, he decided to register it in Massachusetts, but he just proved like every other millionaire, they pay to much in taxes and tried to save money.
Amen Junicon! They are clueless. and I don't think of myself as wealthy either, but then I'm not!
Chris: If it is, they don't seem to be doing much of a job! Dems talk a lot, produce little....except the likes of Corzine - - if he had been stealing his clients' money to help the poor, then we might admire him...but as near as I can tell he didn't care anymore for the poor than...than...than....a repub!!!!
Mike: Well said...those that think the Dems are the champions of the poor and GOP is not just have their heads up their butts.....people with money are people with money....they pretty much all act the same.
Betterright (than smart), you do not help your cause by posting such racist lunacy. President Obama is not Black, he is actually half White and half Black. He only knows where to get "crack" on the street? Really? Is that because he knows where your wife hangs out? (See, anyone can post sheer ignorance...)
As usual an article that shouldn't be has turned into a pseudo-political free for all. This has nothing to do with political parties, and everything to do with a man that is compassionate. He wanted to see how hard it was for a mentally ill homeless person to get into shelters and did exactly that.
Yep, them Repubs do have the needed skills to survive on the streets -- They know how to run a scam; they know how to intimidate others into giving 'em what they want; they know how to lie, cheat and steal their way to the top. But they also depend on their powerful friends to help 'em do all that.
Let's see them Repubs survive WITHOUT their "connections", though. I bet they wouldn't last more than a few weeks.
Joe Veteran post 3.13 You did say " compassionate" correct? Ask his second wife about that and his child too, and the man whose land they wanted, and the list goes on.
How about a few "seasons" on the streets, a few months to really understand how deep this goes. He would meet up with many of the brave men who fought that little "conflict" for America in Viet Nam. The men who got spit-upon when they returned to the land of the free and brave.
How many of our troops from the "conflicts" in Iraq and Afghanistan are now living on the streets; suffering from some form of "mental illness?" Shame on America and more shame on those who have sent our troops into battle, and shame on me too for allowing this. The Veterans Hospitals will not and cannot meet the needs of those who have returned home physically and mentally damaged. The federal government is not willing and is unable to meet their financial and moral duty. This is a very sad state of affairs, ( no pun intended), when "the greatest nation in the world" sends their men into battle and cannot care for their wounds. The Commander-In-Chief has a White House party last week for a select group of vets, where are the Parades to honor these men and women?
And as far as NJ goes, I am not even a citizen of that state.
Random story, but fits the context- Richard Codey actually dropped by my house to say hello some time during last fall. My dad and brother got pictures with him. It turns out that Codey lives in the same town so perhaps it's not as unusual to get a personal visit. Apparently Codey is very neighborly.
We should have more men brave enough to put action to their convictions. Spend 24 hours in another man's shoes and you can get perspective.
The kindness you show to the least of men is the measure of respect and compassion you should expect from your peers.
A real hero!
Best thing I've ever seen a politician do in my life. Concerned and taking humbling, admirable action. Too bad they all aren't like that.
Many of "The Mentally Ill" do not need to be institutionalized; they just need a home. You aren't helping anyone with "help" that amounts to locking them up and drugging them until they can be "institutionalized." I had thought that we were beyond that, but history tends to repeat itself, eh?
There are many among "The Mentally Ill" who do not need a shot of haldol and a group home; they need other types of assistance, but drugs and warehousing are about all America seems to want to do to "Them" anymore. I don't know what I am talking about, though, right? Yes, I do. I was one of "The Mentally Ill." I was among "The Homeless" at one time. Now I am living in a nice junior apartment, working, and living a normal life-- without psychiatric drugs and forced institutionalization. So spare me the stereotype, please, along with millions of other people who don't fall under the sickening stereotype.
Trolls and Haters: Take your best shot, please.
I agree Shandril. I spent a few weeks in a post surgery rehab center. Insurance would not pay for being in the hospital. The building was nice, but the care was iffy. Most of the nurses did not see us as people. Wanted to keep me taking the maximum of the prescribed pain medicine. Took a few days to convince them I could decide for myself. Anyone not mentally alert or able to demand better care was in trouble. And that was a good care center. This country overall needs to CARE more about those in need at ALL levels.
What part of this drill don't you pathetic losers understand? The state expects you to get a picture ID to get services? Is that too much to expect, so that taxpayers are not on the hook for billions in waste and fraud? This country has spent trillions over the past several decades to alleviate poverty. Before you want me to throw trillions more down the same rat-hole, please take a step back. Could we maybe at least try to make sure that fraud and waste is minimized? There are dozens and dozens of existing programs, some of which work and some of which don't. It never seems to occur to any of you sob sisters that some of this money could be put to better use in fewer, more transparent programs that are actually easier to keep track of.
But no; any attempt to audit or track or put controls on many of these programs is attacked by the left (including the Community-Organizer-in-Chief) as racist, cruel, insensitive (pick one). Then some member of a minority group goes on MSNBC, moaning and complaining about budget cuts at the federal, state or local level (pick one). It gets exhausting after a while.
Just a thought.
Hey, Mikey, us "leftie liberals" have no problems with auditing any existing program. It's the ELIMINATION OF PROGRAMS WITHOUT KNOWING WHETHER THEY ARE NEEDED OR NOT that gets us "leftie liberals" mad as hell.
Public Assistance Programs cost millions of dollars? Big whoop -- the two WARS in Iraq and Afghanistan alone have cost BILLIONS of dollars. How about we audit wars, too?
The mentally ill are swept into the gutter, in this country! Good for Senator Codey for shining a light upon this problem.
Well I guess putting himself in the actual situation of being a homeless person he was able to see how difficult and unforgiving it is to be a homeless person. More of our politicians should try this so they might know who might actually need some help instead of giving the richest the most help.
It makes me somewhat ashamed of this country when I read things like this, how we as a society can so easily and without much thought dismiss and ignore those who are less fortunate than we are and yet consider ourselves some kind of model for the rest of the world. And I'm not talking about those who WON'T do better; I'm talking about those who CAN'T do better.
And for those of you who want to invite me to leave the country if I'm so ashamed of it, forget it, I'm not leaving; out of the question. I'm going to stay and do what I can to help, while not failing to point out any and all shortcomings.
I agree Tao,
I am a counselor and I find it appalling that we work to hide our mentally ill. What they need is compassionate employers, drugs to control symptoms that do not have disfiguring side effects like tardive dyskensia so now they not only have a MI to contend with but they look severely cognitively disabled.
These PEOPLE need assistive living apartments so they can learn to cope with illness as well as other social and self care skills that have been lost to illness. They need the opportunity to get better and move up ward and onward.
Just because they don't vote now does not mean they wont in the next election.
I am under cover as a gospel singer
I don't know, nor do I care, if this guy is a Democrat of a Republican ( the article did not say), but he has my vote! We don't realize how insulated we have become until we spend time in some one Else's position. I think all politicians should spend time on the streets as a homeless person. Maybe then they would see how difficult it is and quit calling people who are down on their luck lazy and worthless!
Your first sentence makes more sense than anything I've read in the comments so far. It simple DOESN'T matter what a persons party affiliation is, what matters is WHO they are and what they stand for. At this point in time BOTH parties have shown an unlimited capacity for greed, selfishness and sheer stupidity. It's well past time this country get over it's divisive party lines and get back to voting for the best person, not some imagined line in the sand party!
Some Americans still care! Thanks for trying to help those without a voice!!!
Bravo.......Bravo
You won't have to worry about the present governor trying to hide or pass himself off as homeless.
LOLS!
Senator Codey has always been known as a stand-up guy who has a genuine concern for the all the people of NJ - not just the ones with power, influence and money. All of our elected officials should be required to spend some time doing this kind of thing. I wish Codey represented my district.
I am waiting for some hater to point out that that loser took the bed of a real homeless person or something. Let me save you the time, at least it was for a good cause. Kind of remind me of the show undercover boss.
actually - it sounds like he slept on the floor... no bed involved - just a roof.
good cause, yes, he didnt have to call a friend to get him a place to sleep, simply reporting how impossible it is to get shelter without id would have had the same end result. perhaps sleeping outside for 1 night after being refused shelter would make me think this wasnt a publicity stunt (is he up for re-election this year?) I am not a hater, but it seems like a lot of effort to report what he could have found out anyway through his office
Whatever election he runs in, I bet he will run unopposed....think about it....he puts his money where his mouth is.....something 99.9% of candidates can't think of doing yet let alone do it. He will have my vote if he runs in an election I can vote in, plus with the 2 wars we have been in, the mental illness rate is exploding, and they are cutting back mental health programs more and more. Thank you Richard Codey for bringing an issue to light.
Suzee, If he put his money where his mouth is, he would: 1. buy some houses in Newark and make them available to the homeless. AND/ or 2. He would pick some of them up in his SUV take them to his own home, and feed and clothe them and offer them a job . All he has accomplished is theater to show what a hippocrite he is. All Cody and liberals want to do is to take other peoples money and spend it on their pet projects. Even when they accomplish that, it NEVER solves the problem Look at Lyndon Johnson's so called great society poverty programs. Despite the TRIL.LIONS SPENT to, we still have the same percent of so called povery as in the 60's . I know I have been around since then.
Fincon, you are so full of it, poverty has exploded in this nation! First of all, the statements of yes the right conservative are the ones giving all the money to the poor and donations to the poor. Please! It takes someone with money to give; a poor person can give but it would have to be some of his time.
Thing is how many of these so called rich people give w/o claiming it on their taxes? If they do then they haven't given anything but the tax payers money! So get off your high horses out there and see something that is good for being what it is. While they're shoring up their dictators in other countries for the benefit of their wallets, the American people are suffering. Where are all those complaints from the right or left when this continues to happen.
You cry about wel-fare for the poor and downtrodden and yet say nothing about corporate wel-fare. They are making record profits while the average man is being thrown into the streets. You want to blame the people when the only ones whom can even begin to make things like this happen are the rich! ie. Yeah bring them little bastards down and they'll work for pennies on the dollar!
Then you cry hey why not get out there and make a living, with what; a job that does not exist. 20+ million out of work, they have brought 2-3 million jobs to the front and most of those are slave wages. WTF are you people talking about? It would be too good to see the markets crash and everyone suffer some and then let's see what you'd say then. I'll bet money you'd be singing a different tune.
This is not about party affilation is about human rights.
Institutions are being shut down in Virginia in favor of group homes....since the homes are not there eventually many of these people will end up homeless or victims in the penal systems...none of which is going to save money that the non compassionate so called christian republican Governor intended! Many of these people need to be in an institution and some without care and restraint are a danger to both themselves and others! This is really just a gimmick by republicans to wash their hands of the physically and mentally challenged and to direct that money elsewhere...usually in some way that benefits themselves! I'm glad to see some concern anywhere both for the plight of the homeless and the disabled....35 years of experience at one of these institutions gives me some insight! That weasel in the Virginia governors mansion sure wouldn't have the cajones to give this a shot!
Where I live I see many homeless people come through. Some are homeless because of alcohol, and others because of varying reasons and some are there due to the economic downturn. They are fortunate that the residents of this area, though just a small town, are God fearing people and are very charitable. I give them food every day that I can and I talk with them. In nearly all cases, they, though they wont admit it, have all but given up hope of ever getting off the streets, so they turn to alcohol to ease the pain of their plight. They can not get any assistance of any kind. Many are clearly eligible for Social Security, but because they do not have an address they can not get it. All have health issues, some of which are serious, such as Cancer, Parkinsons and Huntingtons disease. There is no help for them, save those who are vets, of which many of these people are. The VA does not help them save for their medical issues and from what I have witnessed it is not much help at all. It is difficult to feed so many people and I pray to God for help, yet it is difficult not to despair as there are just so many of them, and it continually gets worse. It is becoming epidemic. They tell me many towns will not permit them to be there. If every town/city does this, where are they to be? They are human beings, and we as Americans must take care of our own. However, the general public, especially the young, have no sympathy for them. They beat them, spit on them, and call them every derogatory name in the book. I pray that, there but for the grace of God go I. Charity begins at home, but for these people whom I refer to as my "Lazarus's", there is so precious little.
I quite agree. I don't think this country does enough to support our homeless. Which is why I give to Feeding America and the National Veterans Foundation.
This should be a prerequisite for any politican, except make them live like this for a week with no access to their wealth. These guys are far removed from the struggles of a majority of americans.
All governors ought to try this for a week or two. Then we might get some real help for our mentally ill population.
Kudos! I think that more of the "Millionaire Club" on The Hill should sit up and take notice; perhaps, walk in the shoes as well.
Should and will --- two different things. The closest you see them to poverty is when they show up to hand out food at a soup kitchen for the publicity.
Michelle Obama showed up at a soup kitchen to shovel ready food and have photo ops,only she wore a pair of $1,100.00 shoes to do it.
Hopefully this will motivate him to take direct action to address this issue and this is not just an attempt to grab headlines. Where I live we have 3 homeless shelters and are in the process of creating one to addresss the needs of single mothers with children. So if his intentions are sincere then good for him.
It sounds like he's been an advocate for many years and did this as part of his advocacy to draw the attention of the media. It worked. We're talking about it. And I don't even live in NJ.
Retired SFC, He was already motivated and thats why he did it. Did you not read the article?
I did read the arcticle. Unfortunately I have known politicians who are motivated in word only, if he is truely motivated this is the kind of political leader we neeed in every office. I being from New Jersey origionally would vote for him. This is the kind of political leader that gives one hope that maybe things can get better.
Good point Sarge. Geronimo.
Great cause, good mindset and wonderful heart, thank you, please stay on the right path, hopefully the media
stay out of your business. God bless,thanks DGS