COVID-19: County Works with NonProfits to Help Homeless Residents

Homeless Solutions and Morris Habitat for Humanity Aid Social Distancing at Homeless Shelter

A shelter for homeless residents run by nonprofit Homeless Solutions in a county government provided space in Morris Township has been temporarily expanded to allow social distancing for its residents.

The expanded shelter resulted from a donation of a new space by county government and with the donation of gently used furniture provided by Morris Habitat’s ReStore.

In recent weeks, the COVID-19 virus has presented obstacles to every segment of society; these struggles are especially challenging for the homeless and working poor residents of Morris County.

On Monday, March 23, staff from Morris County began working with Homeless Solutions and Morris Habitat for Humanity’s Restore to relocate homeless individuals in an effort to aid social distancing. The goal was to provide a larger space to live at a time when personal space is paramount to physical health.

This mobilization allowed 29 residents of Homeless Solution’s Single Men’s Program and from its warming center to a vacant location, once occupied by the county Sheriff’s Department, and located just across the parking from the Homeless Solution facility on West Hanover Avenue.

Prior to this effort, many of these individuals had dormitory style living, with many sleeping in bunk beds and some in very close proximity to each other. With the new, temporary facility, the shelter now is able to provide more space and the ability to adhere to the 6 feet rule. Some residents even have their own private room.

“It is important to help our county residents who are in need during this time of crisis,’’ said Morris County Freeholder Director Deborah Smith. “We heard the call for help from Homeless Solutions and are doing what we can to help their clients.’’

This additional space not only will help with social distancing for residents but also will give Homeless Solutions’ staff some room to work.

Dan McGuire, CEO of Homeless Solutions spoke highly of his staff, saying, “They have stepped up to meet the challenges of COVID-19 on our programs and overall operations. Their response to the pandemic has been nothing short of heroic.”

Blair Schleicher Bravo, DEO of Morris Habitat for Humanity, said, “There is no greater time of need than right now, and we want to support our nonprofit partners like Homeless Solutions, which is on the front lines, working with our most vulnerable citizens.”

Homeless Solutions, Inc. is a private, nonprofit organization with 36 years of experience meeting the needs of those affected by homelessness in Morris County. To learn more about how you can help our homeless neighbors visit Homeless Solution’s COVID-19 web page.