Morris County Homeless Get A Helping Hand

MORRISTOWN, NJ — As the temperature hung in the low 20s Thursday morning, officials stood outside St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Morristown with the homeless, giving short speeches prior to an event meant to help those who have lost their homes. A release from the county says it was impossible to tell who was an advocate and who was a client of the event.

The event was Project Homeless Connect, an annual event designed to provide resources and services to those experiencing homelessness in Morris County.

The clients got free haircuts, a hot meal, mental and medical health services, coats, clothing and blankets, toiletries, hats, scarves and much more, according to the release.

Over 40 community-based service providers participated in the event.

"Homelessness affects people from every walk of life in our county," Sharon Yoo, the county's Human Services director, said, according to the release.

"These people are our neighbors, our children, our veterans, and our family members. It is essential to provide a special day when we focus on homelessness and reach out to anyone struggling with homelessness to give them some help and hope," Yoo said.

Present were the Interfaith Food Pantry, Peer Recovery, Employment Horizons, addiction services and NARCAN training and the Morris County Organization for Hispanic Affairs, all available to help clients who came to their tables.

According to the release, Morris County Sheriff James Gannon summed up the day, saying "Helping and supporting people who are struggling is a priority in Morris County. Giving people a 'help up,' rather than a 'hand-out,' is part of the generous Morris County attitude."