Morris Leader

Morris County is set to host its annual Project Homeless Connect event on January 31 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown. This event aims to provide essential services and support to homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness, helping them access care and opportunities for stability.

The day will begin with an opening ceremony at 9 a.m., featuring speeches from Morris County Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Morris County Sheriff James Gannon. The event will open its doors at 10 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m.

Commissioner Christine Myers, who is the liaison to the Department of Human Services, stated, “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.”

Organized by the Mental Health Association of Morris County in collaboration with the County of Morris, more than 40 service providers will offer free services such as healthcare screenings, vaccinations, haircuts, clothing, food, backpacks, gift cards, and personal care products. Information on housing, employment services, mental health resources will also be available.

Mobile service units like the Office of Temporary Assistance’s Navigating Hope and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One will be present to provide additional resources.

The event aligns with the Point in Time (PIT) Count—a federal initiative that tracks homelessness within Morris County and nationwide. Commissioner Myers emphasized that “accurate data from the PIT Count is important for driving effective policies and programs.”

In 2023, the PIT Count found 465 homeless individuals in Morris County—a 34 percent increase from 2022—highlighting an urgent need for coordinated efforts like Project Homeless Connect.

The county's budget for Human Services includes $38.1 million with an extra $300,000 allocated specifically for addressing homelessness. These funds are aimed at prevention services and emergency assistance.

Project Homeless Connect began in San Francisco in 2004 and has spread nationwide. Launched locally in 2006, it has evolved into a year-round initiative bringing vital services directly to local drop-in centers.