Morris County hosts Project Homeless Connect to support residents experiencing homelessness
MORRISTOWN, N.J. (Morris County) — Morris County officials and community partners gathered in Morristown this week to provide free services and support to residents experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their housing during the annual Project Homeless Connect resource fair.
The Morris County Department of Human Services joined the Mental Health Association of Essex & Morris Inc. and more than 40 community organizations to host the event at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. The annual program, led locally by the Mental Health Association since 2009, brings together housing assistance, behavioral health services, benefits enrollment, food and other essential resources in one location.
Viktorija Spasova, program director of Programs for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness at the Mental Health Association, welcomed attendees and introduced speakers, including the Rev. Canon Robert Picken of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Mental Health Association CEO Robert “Bob” Davison, Morris County Commissioner Christine Myers, state Sen. Anthony M. Bucco and a community member with lived experience.
“The services represented here today are designed to help people regain their footing — to move forward with confidence, supported, but not defined, by a moment of hardship,” Myers said. “There are people here who are ready to listen and help you navigate options and assistance as you work toward standing on your own again. To the volunteers, nonprofit partners, outreach teams and advocates who make that possible — thank you.”
Morris County’s Office of Temporary Assistance operated its Navigating Hope mobile outreach unit at the event, alongside the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Hope One team, providing additional referrals and assistance. Organizers also collected donations of food, clothing, shoes, toiletries and other necessities, with coordination beginning in October 2025 through partnerships with St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the county’s Human Services Department.
“Homelessness is rising rapidly across New Jersey, and as the cost of living continues to increase, more people are being forced to choose between basic necessities,” Bucco said. “Recent changes at the federal level could result in funding delays of up to six months for frontline agencies, with the state estimating an $8 million shortfall. I have urged the governor to redirect funding already appropriated by the Legislature to ensure these critical services remain available.”
To help prevent housing instability, the Morris County Board of County Commissioners has approved a $300,000 annual allocation for homelessness prevention and emergency assistance. County officials said the funding has helped families avoid eviction, restore utilities, secure housing and access emergency shelter.
“We could not do this work without the support of Morris County,” Davison said. “In my more than 40 years of service, I can say without qualification that Morris County government is the most responsive to the needs of individuals struggling with mental illness, addiction or homelessness. When help is needed, Morris County responds.”
The event also marked the start of Morris County’s annual federally mandated Point-in-Time count, which measures the number of individuals experiencing homelessness and helps guide funding and service decisions. The most recent count, conducted in January 2025, identified 618 people experiencing homelessness in Morris County, a 9% decrease from the previous year, even as homelessness rose 8% statewide.
County Human Services staff will continue outreach efforts to complete the 2026 count, which identifies where individuals stayed the night of Jan. 27. Officials said participation helps service providers better understand local trends and direct resources more effectively.
More information about homelessness services in Morris County is available through the county’s Office of Temporary Assistance.
