Explore New Jersey: Morris County’s Project Homeless Connect Provides Vital Resources to Those in Need
Morris County reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable residents with the annual Project Homeless Connect, held at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown. The event, which brought together over 40 community organizations, provided critical services to individuals facing homelessness or struggling to maintain stable housing.
Comprehensive Support for Those in Need
Organized by the Mental Health Association of Essex & Morris Inc. (MHA) in partnership with the county, the event offered a range of free resources, including:
Healthcare screenings and vaccinations
Haircuts and personal care items
Clothing, food, and essential supplies
Housing assistance and social services
Mobile service units such as Navigating Hope from the Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance (OTA) and Hope One from the Morris County Sheriff’s Office were also present, ensuring individuals had access to on-site support.
Local Leaders Stress Importance of Community Action
The event drew county officials, community leaders, and nonprofit representatives, all emphasizing the growing need for coordinated solutions.
“Rising costs continue to put families at risk, making initiatives like Project Homeless Connect more essential than ever,” said Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen. “We remain committed to expanding emergency assistance and prevention efforts because no one should have to face homelessness alone.”
Since 2024, Morris County has taken significant financial steps to combat homelessness, including:
Doubling emergency assistance funds to $300,000
Allocating $150,000 toward prevention programs
Directing $100,000 in federal funding to local agencies
Securing $190,000 in state funding for Code Blue activation, doubling previous allocations
Additionally, the county expanded its OTA services, placing staff at the Morris County Library every Wednesday to assist residents in need.
A Growing Need for Support
The event coincided with the county’s annual Point-in-Time Count, a federally mandated survey assessing homelessness levels. The 2024 count identified 680 individuals experiencing homelessness in Morris County, marking a 32% increase from the previous year. While improved data collection may account for part of the rise, it also highlights an increasing demand for housing and social services.
Sheriff James Gannon underscored the importance of long-term solutions:
“Morris County’s collaborative approach, bringing together experts and local leaders, has made a real impact. When I became Sheriff in 2017, we saw an urgent need to address homelessness, mental health, and addiction. That’s how Hope One was created, and eight years later, we continue to bring services directly to those who need them most.”
Stories of Resilience and Hope
The event also featured personal testimonies from two men who had previously experienced homelessness. With the support of Morris County services, they now live in stable housing and continue their journey toward self-sufficiency.
“It’s wonderful to be here at St. Peter’s Church, where mercy and compassion prevail—not just through faith-based initiatives but through the efforts of nonprofits, government agencies, and the individuals we serve,” said Robert Davison, CEO of MHA.
Since its launch in 2006, Project Homeless Connect has evolved into a year-round initiative, extending outreach efforts to drop-in centers in Dover and Morristown.
“Homelessness is a challenge we must face together as a community,” said Director Selen. “Morris County will continue working with its partners to expand resources and create long-term stability for those in need.”
For more information about homeless services in Morris County, visit the Morris County OTA Homeless Services webpage.
