Morris Leader

Morris County held its annual Project Homeless Connect event at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Morristown, where over 40 community organizations gathered to offer vital services to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing. The event was organized by the Mental Health Association of Essex & Morris Inc. (MHA) in collaboration with the county.

Participants received free healthcare screenings, vaccinations, haircuts, clothing, food, personal care items, and housing assistance. Mobile service units like the Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance’s (OTA) Navigating Hope and the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One were present to provide additional support.

Commissioner Director Tayfun Selen and Sheriff James Gannon attended the event alongside other county and community leaders. "Rising costs continue to place financial strain on families, making events like Project Homeless Connect more important than ever," stated Director Selen. He emphasized Morris County's commitment to expanding emergency assistance and prevention efforts.

In 2024, Morris County increased its budget for addressing homelessness by $300,000. This included doubling emergency assistance funds to $300,000 and allocating $150,000 for prevention programs. Additionally, $100,000 in federal funding was directed towards three agencies for homelessness prevention, and $190,000 in state funding was secured for Code Blue activation.

Sheriff Gannon reflected on the importance of partnerships: "When I became Sheriff in 2017...we recognized the importance of bringing services directly to those in need." Robert Davison, CEO of MHA added that the event showcased a community where "mercy and compassion prevail."

The event coincided with the annual Point-in-Time Count survey assessing homelessness in Morris County. Last year’s count reported 680 individuals experiencing homelessness—a 32% increase from the previous year—highlighting a growing need for coordinated solutions.

Two men shared their stories during the event about how county services helped them transition from homelessness to stable housing. Since its inception in 2006, Project Homeless Connect has evolved into a year-round initiative providing essential services at local drop-in centers.

"Homelessness is a challenge we must address together as a community," said Director Selen. He reiterated Morris County's dedication to working with partners to expand resources and create opportunities for long-term stability.

For further information on available services, visit the Morris County OTA Homeless Services webpage.