Christie Taps Oradell Native for Council on Homelessness

Earlier this week, Gov. Chris Christie tapped Oradell native Julia Orlando as a direct appointment to the Interagency Council on Homelessness. She is one of 15 New Jersey residents who were appointed to the Council and the lone representative from Bergen County.

Orlando is the current Director of the Bergen County Housing, Health and Human Services Center where she manages the nutrition program, shelter beds and daily drop-in programs.

The agency, which was created in April 2012, is part of the Christie administrations commitment to combat homelessness in the state. The Council is tasked with better identifying and addressing the needs of homeless New Jerseyans as part of a longterm plan to help assist those individuals affected by homelessness and to prevent homelessness from taking hold in the future. This cooperation and planning will strengthen existing efforts by improving the coordination and delivery of programs and services to those in need.  

“Homelessness in our society often touches each of our communities in a personal way and too often fails to get the attention it deserves. It is our neighbors, friends and sometimes family members who, having fallen on difficult times, struggle to have their basic housing needs met,” said Governor Christie in an April press release. “Right now, New Jersey has a strong set of services available to assist our homeless residents get back on their feet, but they are not applied in a strategic and coordinated way. We can do better to serve families who need help now, and deliver services in a more organized way to prevent homelessness from occurring in the first place.”

Orlando is a member of the Bergen County Work Force Investment Board, County Human Service Advisory Council, County Housing and Emergency Assistance Committee, Northern New Jersey Disabilities Network, and the Bergen County Habitat for Humanity Volunteer for family selection committee. 

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Fordham University and a Masters of Education in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Business and Industry from Columbia University and a Masters degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University.