Oral Histories
Note on COVID-19: Due to strict social distancing guidelines, these interviews were hosted as phone calls and recorded using a mobile application.
Reverend Seth Kaper-Dale of the Reformed Church of Highland Park discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the Affordable Housing Corporation, a support services organization that Kaper-Dale started in 2005. He details how this work is a crucial component of his faith and of his ministry.
Austin Morreale details his work at NeighborCorps, a reentry program that assists people transitioning from Middlesex County Jail. Austin discusses the highs and the lows of his line of work, and advocates for a holistic approach to assisting those seeking help with reentry.
Johnny Wood details the hurdles that formerly incarcerated individuals face during the reentry process including securing housing, finding a job, and struggling to find reliable transportation.
Michael Castaldo is a single father who experienced housing insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. He describes the multiple transitions his family has faced during this time of uncertainty.
Located in north-central New Jersey, Allison is a single mom of four who, during the COVID-19 pandemic, faced multiple insecurities including houselessness, while navigating her own health concerns and caring for her children.
New Brunswick native Matthew Novis details his journey with substance abuse disorders and his relationship to being precariously housed as a formerly incarcerated individual. Matthew details his concerns for his town and for others facing houselessness.
North Brunswick resident Josh Green describes both the challenges and the opportunities that have emerged for him throughout his reentry process during a worldwide pandemic. Josh remains hopeful for what the future holds for him and his community.
A Highland Park resident, who has been through the reentry process, describes how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected their job security. They also detail the importance of spending time with their family.
Annissa Fernandez discusses the struggles of escaping an abusive relationship and how her and her child have adapted to their new life in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.