Burst Pipe Leaves Montclair Homeless Outreach Nonprofit Scrambling

MONTCLAIR, NJ — A burst pipe has created a big problem for a local nonprofit in Montclair that uplifts people experiencing homelessness.

Montclair Emergency Services for Hope (MESH) partners with local churches, synagogues and other community members to provide in-need residents with meals and a place to stay overnight during extreme weather.

Staff reported that they arrived at the MESH Café on Tuesday to find it flooded due to a burst pipe – rendering it uninhabitable.

“This couldn’t have happened at a more critical time—right in the middle of Winter Respite, our busiest season,” MESH reported. “We urgently need your help to keep our services going for our unhoused neighbors.”

According to the nonprofit, it is currently working to find a temporary space to continue its café meal services. It is also trying to raise funds to sustain overnight Winter Respite at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.

Want to help? Here’s how, MESH said:

“Please consider donating or purchasing tickets to our upcoming fundraiser on Thursday, February 12—every contribution helps us move forward. We also ask our community to spread the word: if you’re connected to a church, synagogue, mosque, or other house of worship with a dining hall, please speak with your ministry leaders about the possibility of hosting our meal service temporarily. Thank you for standing with us during this incredibly challenging moment. Together, we can ensure no one is left without warmth, food, or care this winter.”

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