Annual Resource Fair Offers Free Support and Services to Homeless Residents
Morris County will host its annual Project Homeless Connect event on Friday, Jan. 31, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 70 Maple Ave., Morristown, providing a wide range of services, resources, and support to help the homeless and those at risk of homelessness access essential care and opportunities for stability.
The event is a cornerstone of the county’s ongoing efforts to combat homelessness and promote community well-being. The day will kick off with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m., where Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon will address the community. The doors will open at 10 a.m., and services will continue until 2 p.m.
“We’re proud to bring our community together once again for Project Homeless Connect. This event is a critical opportunity to connect individuals with the services they need to regain stability, and we are incredibly grateful to the volunteers whose support makes this possible. This event highlights many of the wraparound services available through our county agencies and nonprofit service providers to support those in need,” said Commissioner Christine Myers, liaison to the Department of Human Services.
Project Homeless Connect is organized by the Mental Health Association of Morris County in collaboration with the County of Morris. More than 40 community-based service providers will participate, offering a wide range of free services, including healthcare screenings, vaccinations, haircuts, clothing, food, backpacks, gift cards and personal care products. Service providers will also offer information and support regarding housing, employment services, mental health resources and more.
In addition to these services, the county’s mobile service units — the Office of Temporary Assistance’s (OTA) Navigating Hope and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One — will be parked on-site, providing essential resources and support to attendees.
The event coincides with the Point in Time (PIT) Count, a federally mandated effort to determine the number of individuals experiencing homelessness within Morris County and across the nation. A weeklong survey will be conducted between Jan. 29 and Feb. 4 to identify where individuals slept the night of January 28.
“Accurate data from the PIT Count is important for driving effective policies and programs,” said Commissioner Myers. “It helps guide funding and initiatives to address homelessness, ensuring Morris County continues to effectively tackle these complex challenges.”
In 2023, the PIT Count identified 465 individuals experiencing homelessness in Morris County, reflecting a 34 percent increase from the previous year. This rise mirrors statewide trends and highlights the urgent need for coordinated efforts like Project Homeless Connect.
The 2024 county budget allocated $38.1 million for Human Services and Health Services, including an additional $300,000 to address homelessness. That included $150,000 dedicated to homeless prevention services aimed at helping residents maintain their current housing, as well as doubling a $150,000 line item to $300,000 for emergency assistance and support.
Additionally, starting last year, the county expanded access to OTA services by assigning staff to the Morris County Library every Wednesday to support residents in need.
The origins of Project Homeless Connect date back to 2004 in San Francisco and have since spread nationwide. Morris County’s version, launched in 2006, has evolved into a year-round initiative, which brings vital services directly to local drop-in centers in Dover and Morristown.
###
Photo: (l-r) Volunteer standing in front of the Hope One tent at the 2024 Project Homeless Connect event.
