Published on January 31, 2025
Annual Event Provided Critical Resources and Outreach to Those in Need
Morris County hosted its annual Project Homeless Connect event today at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown, bringing together more than 40 community-based organizations to provide essential services and support to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing.
The event, organized by the Mental Health Association of Essex & Morris Inc. (MHA) in partnership with the county, offered free healthcare screenings, vaccinations, haircuts, clothing, food, personal care items and housing assistance. Mobile service units, including the Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance’s (OTA) Navigating Hope and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One, were also on-site to provide additional resources.
Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Sheriff James Gannon joined county and community leaders to emphasize the importance of working together to address homelessness.
“Rising costs continue to place financial strain on families, making events like Project Homeless Connect more important than ever,” said Director Selen. “Morris County remains committed to finding real solutions, from expanding emergency assistance to increasing prevention efforts, because no one should have to face homelessness alone.”
Morris County took significant steps in 2024 to address homelessness by allocating an additional $300,000 in the county budget, which included doubling emergency assistance funds to $300,000 and dedicating $150,000 to prevention programs. The county also directed $100,000 in federal funding to three agencies for homelessness prevention and secured $190,000 in state funding for Code Blue activation — double the usual allocation — by demonstrating both need and efficient fund distribution.
In addition, the county’s OTA services expanded, with staff now stationed at the Morris County Library every Wednesday to assist residents in need.
View Photos from Project Homeless Connect 2025
“Morris County’s network of services and partnerships, including the MHA and the county’s Human Services Department as critical partners, is truly remarkable. When I became Sheriff in 2017, we saw the urgent need to address homelessness, mental health and addiction. At that time, our community leaders and experts came together at CARES in Rockaway Borough and we recognized the importance of bringing services directly to those in need. That’s how Hope One was born, and eight years later, we remain committed to that mission,” said Sheriff Gannon.
“It’s wonderful to be at St. Peter’s Church this morning, where mercy and compassion prevail — not just through the church, but through the community-based nonprofits, the individuals we serve and the support of Morris County and its elected officials. Together, we ensure mercy and compassion prevail,” said Robert Davison, CEO of MHA.
The event coincided with the annual Point-in-Time Count, a federally mandated survey assessing homelessness in the county. Last year’s count identified 680 individuals experiencing homelessness in Morris County, a 32% increase from the previous year. While some of the increase may be due to improved data collection, it underscores the growing need for coordinated solutions.
During the event, two men shared their journeys of recovery and how Morris County’s services helped them rebuild their lives. Both, once homeless, now live in stable housing and continue to find hope through ongoing support from the providers who assisted them.
Since its launch in 2006, Project Homeless Connect has evolved into a year-round initiative, bringing essential services directly to local drop-in centers in Dover and Morristown.
“Homelessness is a challenge we must address together as a community,” said Director Selen. “Morris County will continue to work with our partners to provide resources, expand services and create opportunities for long-term stability.”
For more information about available services, visit the Morris County OTA Homeless Services webpage.
###
Photo 1: (back, l-r) Robert Davison, CEO at MHA, Sheriff James Gannon, Amy Archer, Morris County Community and Behavioral Health Services Division Director and Kasey Errico, Director of the Morris County Department of Human Services. (front, l-r) Viktorija Spasova, PATH Program Director at MHA, Dr. Rose Brown, Senior Director, Program Services at MHA and Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen.
Photo 2: Sam Khoury, owner of Razorz Edge barber shops, provides a haircut to an attendee.
