A Conversation about Homelessness

Hi Kayleigh,

For years now, I’ve been writing you these complaining emails about NJ Transit’s closing the shelters at both Princeton and Princeton Junction train stations, mostly to lock out the homeless. I happened to be in the Princeton shelter the other day, chatting with a homeless person who was taking shelter in it from the cold. We got to talking about the train shelters themselves, and it became evident through what she said that during operating hours at least, she relies on the shelters for shelter. I mentioned to her my passing impression that the shelters were more consistently open nowadays than they had been in the past, not just on a daily basis, but on an hourly one–meaning that they’re not just open every day, but open early and close late. She agreed, and pointed out with some satisfaction that the one at Princeton Junction is now heated. 

The shelter at Princeton Junction

I realize that the train shelters don’t exist specifically to house the homeless. And nothing can make homelessness a cheerful subject or put a happy face on it. That said, there’s some relief to be had from the fact that the shelters are more consistently open, and that the homeless are no longer prevented from using them. I’ve gone out of my way to check on the shelters this year, and apart from a few days during the fall, they seem to have been open during these coldest months of the year, something that’s made a real difference in the lives of at least a handful of people.

I thought of you during my conversation with the homeless person, and wanted to thank you for your efforts over the years. Your persistence and responsiveness on this issue have been deeply appreciated, and have really paid off. Please also thank Sen Zwicker from me for his concern, for putting me in contact with you, and frankly, for hiring you. Your efforts have been a light in a dark time.

Best wishes,

Irfan Khawaja
Princeton

The shelter at Princeton Rail Station

Irfan,

I cannot thank you enough for your kind note. It made my day! It is not every day our office gets the opportunity to hear about the impact of our work. I am glad you took the time to engage with her and elevate her story for awareness.

It is never lost on me how much of a privilege it is to have this platform to help people. I remain an optimist about what government can be and do, in spite of all we are seeing right now. While I agree it is a dark time, it will take all of us working together to navigate a way out. I think you perfectly encapsulate what is needed: small, shared moments of compassion and humanity. Thank you for your persistence and desire to effect change. Please stay in touch.

Kayleigh Lavornia
Chief of Staff
Senator Andrew Zwicker
Legislative District 16