Spotlight: Jeff Cupo and Supply Runs

My name is Jeff Cupo. I’m a white, agnostic, lower middle class New Jerseyan. I have my undergraduate degrees in philosophy and religion, and am currently working on my MLIS. I am a librarian, with the goal of providing critical information and general services, programming, and collections to underserved populations.

As someone who has been involved with the homeless population in New Brunswick for some time now, how do you perceive homelessness in this city and what do you think are possible solutions?

It is a problem that is both extensive and unacknowledged. Neither the city government, nor the majority of the student body seem to think of it as much of a problem. The solution is housing first programs. Give them a place to live, not just stay, and focus on services after. Utah recently ran a successful housing first program and reduced chronic homelessness in the entire state by 91% in ten years. Not only was this program extremely successful in ending homelessness, it cost the state significantly less than it would’ve cost to leave the homeless on the streets.

What's your honest opinion about why we don't have this types of programs implemented?

No one gives a shit. When the school libraries gave the homeless the boot last winter, there was little opposition to that. Nobody really wanted them there. People thought they were too smelly, disruptive, that they didn’t belong there. Personally, I’d rather put up with a bad smelling person, than have that person put up with sleeping out in below-freezing temperatures.

Secondly, people can be self-centered. They would rather spend money on themselves than give it to those in need. Sure, your hundred bucks could feed a person for a long time, but instead you spend it on a stylish new pair of jeans, or jewelry, or video games, or some other relatively unnecessary thing. But, of course, those that do care, and are more selfless, I find, are often misguided with where they direct their efforts. I see students so gung-ho on voting for Sanders, thinking he will fix things in terms of poverty. There's so much effort going into that. But honestly, if they put that much effort and time and energy into directly helping the homeless and poor right in their backyard, things could change drastically.

Could you describe what "supply runs" are and how or why you got involved with this project?

My good friend used to do the supply runs, but he moved away for work, and I’m a sort of replacement for him. I didn’t want the homeless to be left neglected afterward, and thought it would be a suitable project for this organization to take on. At this point, the supply runs entail going to the train station and handing out food and basic supplies. We have chats with the homeless there as well, in an attempt to boost their spirits, and to determine if there is anything more significant we can do for them.

What is one thing that supply runs do really well? One thing you think could be improved? How can people be more involved with the supply runs?

They are morale boosters. The homeless are happy to see people care about them. They're happy to have people to talk to and joke around with. They're happy to see they matter.

They could be improved, however. Greater frequency would be good. I think extending our range beyond the train station would be great. There are many homeless enclaves scattered throughout the city, and it would be good to help all of them.

Volunteers should come and see it for themselves. No voluntourism. No one-time people. People should come and commit to come back.

Could you share some about the people you meet at the station or maybe a memorable or shocking experience?

The homeless individuals I have met are some of the nicest, most caring, generous people I've ever met. To see someone with almost nothing share with someone who has less, that's really something. They watch out for me too, for example, when the implore me to carefully driving home in the snow. Another time, one man took the time to offer me solid advice on quitting smoking. They’re just really genuine, good people.

One time, a wonderful, friendly man got drunk, fell into despair, and tried to jump down onto the train tracks to kill himself. A veteran, a real nice guy. Just got hopeless. Fortunately Walter Herres, a local organizer, was there and saved him. Just no words really to describe that. I remember his tears and hopelessness and I strive to get people, myself included, to care more.

Do you see a lot activism on campus concerning this issue? What are some innovative programs that you think the Rutgers community could provide to the homeless population?

Not enough. More care, more dedication, more hands getting dirty.

I don’t know if innovation is possible yet. When we are able to cover the simple things, like getting all the homeless food and clothing, then we can start thinking of bigger things.