Joseph Careri: Meet the Mind Behind His Helping Hands

CONTENT WARNING: Talks of self harm and drug abuse. Please don’t read ahead if this affects you in any way. 

The Under the Golden Dome Series hosted another speaker, Joseph Careri, at the Taylor Memorial Library to hear about his non-profit organization, His Helping Hands, Homeless Ministry on Monday, Oct. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Careri got addicted to hard substances while in his sophomore year of high school and eventually got kicked out, making him homeless for five years of his life, until he was able to bring himself back after finding God.

“In life you have three plans,” said Careri. “No plan, your plan, and God's plan.” 

Careri grew up in Rutherford, New Jersey with his divorced parents. When he entered his sophomore year in high school, he got into the varsity football team and began to go to party after party, which was when he started using cocaine. Careri also began an addiction to opioids after experiencing seven concussions from football.  

Careri went to rehab at the young age of 17, but when he kept on relapsing, his mom and dad kicked him out and stopped talking to him.

While homeless, Careri moved around to all different towns in New Jersey, including Paterson and Newark. He would often go to train stations and get cash by going around asking for small amounts of money to hop on a train. He seemed to be getting some money out of this gig. 

However, Careri would often try to steal some food and would get arrested multiple times. 

“I’m better at asking for money than stealing,” said Careri.

One snowy night before turning 20, a southern man gave Careri a warm cup of soap and blanket. That act of kindness gave him hope.

“I remember telling God, ‘if I get out of this, I want to be like him,’” said Careri.

Careri got clean while staying in a house in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, but sadly relapsed once more. This time, however, was different for him. Careri started to not care about his life and would one day get a syringe stuck in his wrist and let it get infected because he was too ashamed to go to a hospital.

One day while in Paterson, Careri was watching buses go by and was thinking of jumping right in front of one. When he was about to do it, a woman stopped him and told him, “I don’t know why, but God is telling me to tell you he loves you.” 

Careri fainted after and woke up at the hospital where he was able to shower and get treated with respect. He then was able to call his dad and get in contact with him to rebuild their relationship. 

Careri then got in contact with his uncle, and went with him to church where he found his purpose through God.

“I finally realized that I was trying to fill a void in my life that could only be filled by God,” said Careri.

After, he went to an old homeless shelter he stayed at in Wayne, and got the chance to speak on his story and volunteer. It was there that he learned about his passion for speaking on God and sharing his story to inspire others. 

Careri began speaking at Young Adult and Youth Ministries. It was there that he met his wife, Natalie, who he shares two children with. 

After finding each other, the couple started up their Homeless Ministry, His Helping Hands, in 2020. Them and a few other volunteers go to Paterson every Friday at 6:30 p.m. to give out food, blankets, and clothes to the homeless and whoever is in need. 

Not only do they give the homeless supplies, but the Careris also talk to them and teach them about God. After getting to know the people, the volunteers can then get to the “meat and potatoes.” 

From this cause, they were able to help out thousands of homeless people and help find two (almost three) of them a place to live.

“God can take you from homeless to home owner,” said Careri. 

10 students went to hear Careri’s story and all were moved by his experiences. 

“Careri reveals to us how he triumphed over the iceberg,” said Thomas Lazzaro, senior communication major. “He slipped towards the depth of its center, had fallen into the darkest end, and he rose gently into the frosted white top thanks to the mighty grip of God.”

“Careri’s story and testimony left such an impact on me,” said Katelyn Shaw, senior elementary education major. “I loved how he described it so honestly and beautifully, and how he was not ashamed to share the gospel. I have always loved helping the homeless community, and I can’t wait to help him spread his mission with His Helping Hands!”

“It was very moving to hear Careri’s story and how he got to where he is now,” said Amanda Lorenzo, senior criminal justice major. “Life has its ups and downs, but if you find a purpose, then you have a reason to keep living. He was able to pick himself up from rock bottom; so, for anyone struggling, his story shows that everything will get better.”

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If you are looking to volunteer with His Helping Hands on Fridays, then check out their instagram: @hishelpinghands.