TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Trenton firefighter Naseeb “New” Washington and a group of friends from the public safety community fanned out in the city Saturday morning with hundreds of home-cooked meals and deliver them to the homeless.
They will go to them: alongside railroad tracks, in vacant buildings, and under bridges. The five-year city firefighter has nothing against soup kitchens, but he and his friends like to meet those in need on their turf.
The food is important, Washington told NJ.com (https://bit.ly/2n4DF4D), but he wants to look in their eyes and say, “People are thinking about you.”
Saturday was also Washington’s 30th birthday - and that’s not a coincidence.
For a few years now, Washington has decided to give back on his birthday. “I am not a partier,” he said. “It’s just my way to celebrate.”
He’s also been there - homeless.
Washington grew up in Newark and struck out on his own at the age of 17, after graduating from Weequahic High School. He struggled and at times didn’t know when, or where, he’d get his next meal.
“I have lived in my vehicle - a 98 Windstar,” he said.
About 10 years ago, he moved to Trenton for a fresh start, and took the police and fire department entry exams.
In the meantime, he worked for an armored car company and initially sought to be a Mercer County sheriff’s officer. He was really close to moving to Virginia for a police officer job.
Then, the Trenton Fire Department hired him. “And it ended up working out for me.”
He’s now a deckhand on Ladder 4 and doing well financially. But as he rises, he said, he believes he has an ongoing duty to use his gains for others - so others might see the path.
“As I excel, it’s my job to give back,” he said.
Washington says his bigger paychecks won’t be funding fancy cars or expensive liquors.
“We misconstrue success,” he said. “And we’re so blinded by these materialistic things.”
It’s not just saying it, but living it, he said. “I mean, I drive a Buick, with a hubcap missing,” he laughed.
Washington says Ladder 4 is the more important wheels that he needs now, and plans to bridge the societal gaps he sees every day. “There’s a disconnect between those of us who have, and those who do not,” he said.
Last year, when he set out with the group, the shared experiences were great, Washington said. It was his birthday, and Good Friday. The group made over 200 meals with Vinnie Mannino, of Mannino’s pizzeria in Morrisville, Pa., who opened his restaurant, donated time and supplies and has become a close friend.
They started out again Saturday at Mennino’s and planned to make and deliver 250 meals. He’s been touting the day on his Facebook page, and gathering volunteers. Many who joined him last year will be along again.
Many who show up will be city firefighters, active and retired, their friends, and some law enforcement officers - a family who will drop everything to help anyone.
Trenton is now his adoptive town. It gave him his career, and he has perpetual plans on paying the city back. But he also has plans to branch out to Newark, too.
With a wry smile, he’s already planning “big things” for his 35th birthday.
“I will never forget where I came from,” he said.
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Information from: NJ.com, https://www.nj.com
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